Manchester City will not be able to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon for a bargain price this summer.

The Telegraph have revealed that Pep Guardiola‘s side are interested in signing the France Under-23 international.

They say it is “widely believed” that there is a release clause worth £20m to £25m in Cherki’s contract, making a move for him more attractive.

However, last week, The Athletic reporter David Ornstein (who is a trusted source when it comes to transfer stories) revealed the truth behind that claim.

What has Ornstein said about Cherki’s buyout clause?

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic, the journalist made it clear in no uncertain terms that a release fee does not exist:

“There is no release clause on Cherki. I don’t think these are allowed in French football. Many have suggested he can leave Lyon for €22.5million (£18.9m). I’m told this is not the case and that Lyon are looking for much more money than that.”

City may still believe the player is worth the investment

Even without a clause, City may feel Cherki has the necessary qualities to improve the first-team squad. Some sections of the media have compared him to a young Eden Hazard.

Chelsea have been among the 21-year-old’s suitors in the past, along with Liverpool, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund, and there will likely be challengers if the Cityzens do press ahead with a bid over the coming days and weeks.

Based on Ornstein’s information, though, City will have to negotiate directly with Lyon if they want Cherki. He has been touted as a potential alternative for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with the club having withdrawn from the race to sign the German international at the start of last week.

Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here