Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Olympique Lyonnais forward Rayan Cherki this summer.
Manchester United are looking to add attacking reinforcements to Rúben Amorim’s squad this summer to address their ongoing goalscoring issues.
The club have been linked with strikers such as Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen, and Benjamin Šeško. Additionally, United are focused on strengthening their wide positions, with a deal for Matheus Cunha reportedly close.
In Amorim’s system, the team operates with a central striker and two wide attacking midfielders. With Alejandro Garnacho struggling for form and Christian Eriksen’s departure on the horizon, reinforcements are seen as essential.
The club are targeting forwards who can play on both wings and add extra creativity, with Bruno Fernandes largely carrying this responsibility in recent weeks.
United left impressed by Cherki
Another player who has been touted as an option for United in the attacking midfield positions is Olympique Lyonnais forward, who dazzled United fans during the Europa League quarter-finals.
Although United staged an epic comeback win in the dying moments against the French side, Cherki scored across both legs – the equaliser in the final moments in the first leg and what many thought was the winner in the second at Old Trafford.
As per UtdDistrict sources, those at Old Trafford were left impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances across the two ties, with former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand labelling Cherki as a “maverick” forward United must look to sign.
“He’s a bit more of a maverick. He’s a player who just plays a little bit more off the cuff,” Ferdinand raved about the Frenchman. “He’s got great imagination, fantastic football on both sides, and both feet as well.
“He’s a great technician, just wants to create problems and wreak havoc for opponents, but there’s an artistry about the way he plays, he sees the game a little bit differently.”
United handed Cherki transfer boost
Around two weeks after the stunning two-legged fixture, which ended 7-6 to United, the club are starting for formulate concrete transfer plans for the summer.
As mentioned above, United are closing in on a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Cunha to become the new spearhead of Amorim’s attack, but their interest in Cherki is reportedly forming, too.
According to CaughtOffside, United are now leading the race to sign the player this summer, although Tottenham are not far behind.
Previous reports have stated that although Cherki has a £25 million release clause in his contract, Lyon would be willing to let him go for around £20 million, which many clubs see as a bargain considering the level of his talent.
The France U21 international has amassed a stunning 12 goals and 19 assists in 41 senior appearances for his club this summer.
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