The Reds and Manchester City have been close rivals on the pitch many times over recent years, and it is no different off it.

Pep Guardiola’s side may have struggled to keep up in the Premier League this season as Arne Slot’s winning machine proved unstoppable, but the Manchester side are doing all they can to regain some of that lost ground.

Florian Wirtz appears to be joining Liverpool very soon despite Man City being interested, with the Reds having the upper hand in this deal from quite early on.

'Special' attacker hasn't actually agreed to join Chelsea after recent Liverpool interest - journalist	Premier League giants told to make audacious swoop for Jurgen Klopp	Arne Slot travels for Liverpool talks with £33.7m Manchester City transfer target

However, Guardiola has since set his sights on another target and it appears as if the player favours a move to Manchester instead of the current Premier League champions.

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Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Although linked with Wirtz for around £126m, Liverpool were still showing interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who was also on Man City’s radar.

Now, after the latest update from Fabrizio Romano on the DAZN YouTube channel, the Frenchman looks close to joining Guardiola’s side.

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“My understanding in terms of the ‘Here we go’ meter, I think it is 65% going to happen,” Romano said.

“The player is keen on the move, someone told me he’s already spoken to Pep Guardiola in recent days so this could be a really interesting transfer.

“He’s not so expensive but in terms of quality, he can be a special one.”

This news comes after Arne Slot reportedly met with Cherki to discuss a potential move to Anfield, but the 21-year-old could not be convinced.

The Frenchman would cost just £25m, significantly less than what Liverpool are paying for Wirtz, perhaps the reason Man City looked for alternatives.

Costing over £100m more, Liverpool fans will be hoping that Wirtz will make a bigger impact in the Premier League than Cherki next season, although their stats this season suggest it might be quite tight.

Stats This SeasonFlorian WirtzRayan CherkiAppearances 4544Goals1612Assists 1520Stats per Transfermarkt and correct as of 04/06/25

Both perfect number 10s, Cherki, surprisingly, has more goal involvements than Wirtz last season, albeit only by one.

However, both have shown their creative output at the very highest level, something that will prove vital in two of the league’s most free-scoring sides.

Liverpool may have paid considerably more money, but the fact City also wanted him may settle the nerves of any Reds fans who are wondering why they have gone all-out for his services.
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