Paris Saint-Germain have identified Rayan Cherki as one of their primary transfer targets should impending financial sanctions force Manchester City to sell key players, taking advantage of the growing uncertainty surrounding the English club’s future.
According to TEAMtalk, PSG management is closely monitoring the French international’s situation and stands ready to make a move if a transfer becomes viable. Liverpool are also rivaling PSG’s interest, alongside monitoring from Chelsea and Real Madrid, though no club has entered formal negotiations as of yet.
These developments follow an independent commission finding Manchester City guilty of serious financial breaches spanning nine seasons, in addition to the majority of non-cooperation charges. While the club has lodged a comprehensive appeal, the final penalty remains pending—ranging from fines and point deductions to potential expulsion from the Premier League in the most severe scenario.
PSG view Cherki as an ideal fit for their sports project, praising his versatility as a playmaker or winger, his exceptional two-footed ability, his French nationality, his potential for further development, and his high commercial value.
Cherki joined Manchester City from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer of 2025 for a fee of €42.5 million including €6 million in add-ons, with his former club retaining a 15% sell-on profit clause on a contract running through June 2030.
The player had progressed through Lyon’s academy from the age of seven, going on to make 185 first-team appearances. His major breakout arrived during his final season in France, where he registered 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 matches across all competitions.
Cherki quickly proved his worth at Manchester City, concluding his debut season with 10 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, including four goals and 12 assists in 33 Premier League appearances to become one of the team’s primary creative outlets.
The 23-year-old has carried that momentum into the current campaign, contributing to six goals in his first eight matches. Consequently, Manchester City will not easily part with him while his contract runs through 2030; however, an unsuccessful appeal and severe punishment could drastically alter the landscape and clear the way for PSG to launch a genuine bid for his signature.
