Manchester United have received a transfer blow in recent hours after it was revealed that one of their targets is set to secure a summer transfer elsewhere.
Manchester United are aiming to strengthen their attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window after a season plagued by a lack of goals.
The club is prioritising players with Premier League experience, with Matheus Cunha identified as the priority target, while the club will also be looking for alternatives to Liam Delap after the Ipswich Town striker decided to join Chelsea.
However, with budget considerations also in play, Ruben Amorim’s squad is expected to explore more affordable options. One such target is Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who has emerged as a strong contender and is reportedly available for around £20 million.
Cherki impressed during Lyon’s Europa League tie against United, scoring twice across the two legs despite his team’s dramatic exit from the competition.
The talented Frenchman wrapped up the season with an impressive 12 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, making him an attractive prospect for a number of top clubs.
Cherki set to accept transfer to Man City
Despite United’s interest, it has been widely reported that Cherki has engaged in meaningful talks with Manchester City ahead of a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.
Cherki was said to have initial reservations surrounding the amount of game time he would receive under Pep Guardiola, but according to French outlet Foot Mercato, he has now accepted their proposal.
The young French star is said to have spoken with Guardiola about where he will fit into City’s attacking line, and although the transfer is not complete, City are now clear favourites ahead of United.
Although Cherki is said to have been available for as little as £20 million, it is reported that his transfer to City could be worth around £33 million.
The 21-year-old played 44 times for Lyon last term and started the majority of those games. Despite City already having the likes of Savinho, Jérémy Doku, and Oscar Bobb playing from that right flank, Cherki could have a significant part to play as Guardiola looks to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool next season.
United already know who they want instead of Cherki
With Cherki clearly favouring a move to City over United this summer, the club have shown serious intent in signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to play on the right flank instead.
The 25-year-old, who has a “crazy good” output with 70 goal involvements across 138 appearances for the London side, is very high on United’s target list this summer, with Amorim’s side having already held talks with his agents.
Following United’s failure to land Liam Delap, who chose to join Chelsea over the Old Trafford side, United are reportedly now significantly more likely to push to sign the Cameroon star.
Mbeumo is well documented to be available for £50 million this summer, and would be a welcome addition to United’s front line alongside Cunha.
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