There’s a real fight brewing in the transfer market this summer.

Clubs know exactly what they want, and they’re moving early to get it.

The top sides aren’t just watching highlights anymore—they’re putting pressure where it counts.

For Liverpool, that’s a concern, especially with some of the targets they’ve been watching closely for a while.

Pep Guardiola makes contact with Liverpool linked star	Pep Lijnders agrees personal terms to join Man City in bombshell development	Former Liverpool player could be about to follow Pep Lijnders and join Pep Guardiola's staff - Romano

The race to replace club legends is already heating up.

At Liverpool, there’s a lot of talk about building for the next phase under Arne Slot.

Manchester City are doing the same.

After a tough 2024–25 season, Pep Guardiola isn’t wasting time.

He wants creativity back in his team.

And he knows that means getting the right kind of player—someone who can grow into a role vacated by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne or Bernardo Silva.

The problem?

One of those players has been linked to Liverpool.

But that might not be a problem anymore as Liverpool have their hands full with Florian Wirtz.

21-year-old Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais has been followed closely by several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.

But it’s Manchester City who’ve taken the lead.

And Guardiola isn’t just sitting back.

According to FootMercato, Pep Guardiola has personally engaged in discussions with Cherki to bring him to the Etihad.

That personal touch seems to have “significantly influenced the player’s inclination” towards joining City.

The report read, “The Skyblues are very confident and are now the favorites to land Rayan Cherki, who has said yes to the Man City project.”

“He is attracted by the prospect of playing under Pep Guardiola, we are told.”

“He has also spoken directly with the Spanish coach.”

“The Mancunians, who must now agree on the details of his contract with the player, want to complete this transfer as quickly as possible, like that of Tijjani Reinjders (AC Milan).”

Cherki is highly rated for his “exceptional dribbling, vision, and versatility.”

He can play as a right-winger or in the No.10 role.

He scores goals.

He creates chances.

And most importantly, he’s available for a bargain this summer.

City believe he fits their style.

“With Guardiola looking for a long-term replacement of De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, Cherki is the right kind of player to play that role,” the report says.

Liverpool had interest in the player but are now focusing more on Florian Wirtz, which gives City a clearer path.

The report also noted that “Cherki’s career has lacked tactical discipline, but under Guardiola, he could refine his game, similar to how Phil Foden developed.”

If City get this over the line, Liverpool may have let another future star slip away—this time, to a direct rival.

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