Manchester City have completed the signing of Rayan Cherki for an initial £30.5m – rising to £34m – fee from Lyon.
The France international becomes the club’s third addition of the window following the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli. He has penned a five-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad until 2030.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been working to complete a series of deals before Tuesday’s 7pm transfer deadline for clubs participating in the Club World Cup.
The 21-year-old will be eligible for selection for the side, whose campaign gets underway against Moroccan outfit Wydad AC on June 18.
Cherki, who was named UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season after finishing the top assist provider in the competition, said he is excited to develop his game under the City boss.
‘This is a dream for me,’ said Cherki. ‘Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special.
Rayan Cherki has penned a five-year deal with the Premier League giants that will keep him at the club until 2030
Pep Guardiola has been keen to bolster his squad ahead of City’s Club World Cup campaign, which gets underway on June 18
Cherki earned his first caps for the France senior team during the Nations League Finals this month
‘I have worked so hard for this all my life. I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff.
‘Everyone knows how good City are – they have been so successful for many years now. The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace.
‘I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future. I can’t wait to show City fans what I can do.’
Director of Football Hugo Viana added: ‘We’re very happy to have Rayan at City. We want to bring top talent to the club, and he falls into that category.
‘He’s a player our scouts have watched for a long time, and we have all been impressed with his skill and creativity. I am convinced our fans will be excited to see him play.
‘There’s no doubt that he’s now in the best place possible to develop further under Pep’s guidance and I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.’
City are close to completing the deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who has undergone a medical at the club.
Reijnders, the energetic central midfielder, is joining for an initial £46.3m in what has been a fast start to Viana’s first summer as director of football. He is also expected to be named in Guardiola’s travelling party for the summer tournament.