Manchester City have now been contacted about signing the “fantastic” forward, of whom Josep Guardiola is a huge fan.
Despite Cherki’s strong form, City are keeping an eye on their new forward
Since his return from a thigh injury in October, Rayan Cherki has established himself as a key player for Man City, with Pep personally praising the playmaker earlier this month: “Ryan has special, unique qualities. You can love him, you can hate him, but he is special. His composure, character and tempo are helping us play with the rhythm we need, especially in the final third.”
Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden have also scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season, and while there is certainly no lack of quality behind Erling Haaland, City remain keen to sign a new forward this January.
It was recently revealed that the Blues are seriously considering paying a £65m release clause to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in January, but the Ghanaian is not the only target, with last month revealing he is the frontrunner in the race to sign Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
There is another update on Man City’s signing of Vinicius, with TEAMtalk reporting that an intermediary working with the winger has revealed that Vinicius is interested in a move to the Premier League.
However, there could be fierce competition for the Brazilian, with talks also taking place with Chelsea and Liverpool, and the deal could be expensive, with the Spanish club expected to hold out for an £80m transfer fee.
A source from TEAMtalk also revealed that a deal in the January transfer window may not be possible, stating: “Vini and Rodrygo are big players for this club and Florentino Perez doesn’t want them to leave.
“They are in different situations. Vini has a contract issue and Rodrigo has a role in the team. But come January, both players are expected to stay.”
Vinicius could sign ‘great’ contract with Man City
Journalist Tom Allnutt praised the Brazilian international, who is considered one of the best wingers in the world, for his progress since his first breakthrough with Real Madrid.
Guardiola has also been full of praise for the 25-year-old, describing him as “extraordinary” last year, and the left-winger has continued to be a key player for Madrid this season, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 18 La Liga games.
Man City scout urges Pep to sign Bayern star compared to Rodri
He could be Rodri’s long-term replacement.
Vinicius Junior also has extensive experience in the Champions League, amassing 56 goal contributions in 74 games in Europe’s elite competition, and should be Man City’s preferred target on the left wing, ahead of Semenho, who is yet to prove himself at a top club.
