David Ornstein: Arne Slot Jets Out to Hold Talks to Sign ‘Future Ballon d’Or Winner’ Alongside Wirtz
Liverpool boss Arne Slot travelled to France last week for discussions with Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to journalist David Ornstein.
The Dutch manager is said to have spoken with the in-demand France U21 international, who had been viewed as a possible alternative to Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz.
But with progress being made on a deal for Wirtz, Liverpool are unlikely to pursue Cherki this summer, as the German star is now regarded as the Reds’ primary target.
Cherki is now attracting serious interest from Manchester City, who are reportedly on the verge of completing a move for the player tipped to become a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Cherki is expected to leave France this summer, with talks now ongoing between Lyon and Manchester City over a potential transfer.
Fabrizio Romano reports that City manager Pep Guardiola has been in contact with the French talent in recent weeks and has identified him as a key figure in his summer overhaul at the Etihad Stadium.
City are said to be making strong progress in their efforts to sign Cherki and are likely to pay more than his estimated €30m (£25m) valuation.
Over the past year, the 21-year-old has drawn interest from several top European clubs and came close to joining Borussia Dortmund during the January window.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are growing confident of securing a club-record deal for Florian Wirtz, having submitted a second offer worth up to €130m (£109m).
The Premier League champions are negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen over the terms of the transfer and hope to finalise an agreement in the near future.
Liverpool already completed their first signing of the summer last week, bringing in Wirtz’s teammate Jeremie Frimpong on a five-year contract.
In other news, Liverpool Prepare Record Offer After Final Florian Wirtz Obstacle Revealed
