Listening to Rayan Cherki speak left the impression that Manchester City may be the ideal environment for him | OneFootball

One player who has been heavily linked with a potential move to Manchester City is Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki. Pep Guardiola’s squad is screaming out for a player with Cherki’s game-breaking creativity and ability. Former Chelsea centre-back Frank Leboeuf, when speaking on ESPN FC, believes that Cherki should avoid signing for Manchester City. Leboeuf believes Pep Guardiola’s system wouldn’t suit the Lyon playmaker. But listening to Rayan Cherki speak yesterday he seems to be the ideal player to step into Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Rayan Cherki has spoken about his future with L’Equipe.

In an interview with L’Equipe, Rayan Cherki was asked how a club could convince him to sign for them. The Lyon playmaker said that talking about football is the only factor that will decide where he plays next. He explained: “I need to be talked to about football, football and more football. Pure and simple.”

Rayan Cherki also explained that he can adapt to any system of play. He explained: “I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready. Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer.”

Lastly, Cherki was asked whether Manchester City’s interest in signing him could be classed as credible. He said: “All options are credible. For now, I’m focused on the two important games we have to play with the (France) National Team, and we will see what happens after.”

Playing under Pep Guardiola may be the ideal environment for one of Europe’s most prodigious talents.

When Manchester City were first linked with a move for Rayan Cherki it did seem like a free hit of sorts in the transfer market. Given that the Lyon playmaker only has a year left on his contract the expected transfer fee to sign him wouldn’t expected to be too large. If Cherki failed to live up to expectations it would be expected that City could recoup any transfer free by selling him in the future. But if Manchester City can sign him and get the best out of him, they could have a world-beater on their hands. Manchester City’s seemingly imminent move for Cherki did appear like a calculated risk. But listening to the Lyon playmaker speak, the impression is left that playing under Pep Guardiola may be the ideal setting for him to blossom as a player.

Rayan Cherki explained that football and football alone will convince him to sign for any club. That is Pep Guardiola’s speciality. The Manchester City manager lives and breathes the game, and if any manager could get the best out of Cherki’s obvious talent and potential, it’s Guardiola. Rayan Cherki further explained that he can play in any system. That would be music to Pep Guardiola’s and Manchester City’s ears. Cherki is willing to work, and if he can fit into Manchester City’s system and playing style, the world is his oyster.

Listening to Rayan Cherki speak yesterday gave the impression that playing at Manchester City and under Pep Guardiola could be the ideal move for him. Hopefully, Manchester City can secure the signing of Cherki promptly. Then we can see him take the next steps of his career at the Etihad provided that City can sign Cherki from Lyon.