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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>City targeting Lyon star</li><li>Simons seen as a potential alternative</li><li>Man City splashing the cash</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Not a bad back-up! Man City's transfer alternative to Rayan Cherki revealed as Pep Guardiola continues rebuild

<p>Per<em> </em><a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/manchester-city-are-monitoring-xavi-simons-as-rayan-cherkis-plan-b/" target="_blank"><em>L'Equipe</em></a>, City view Simons as a back-up option to Cherki as they continue negotiations to sign the Lyon playmaker. The RB Leipzig star is expected to move on this summer after his current employers failed to qualify for the Champions League, and he has been shortlisted in case the Manchester club do not manage to secure Cherki's signature.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>City are aiming to sign a replacement to the departing Kevin De Bruyne and Cherki is said to have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/lyon-s-rayan-cherki-agrees-personal-terms-with-man-city-pep-guardiola-kevin-de-bruyne-successor/blt79922cb1e8d8d4e3" target="_blank">agreed personal terms with City</a> ahead of his move. A bid is expected to be tabled shortly. The 21-year-old has a release clause of around £25 million ($34m).</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Simons only moved to Leipzig permanently in January, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League has left the door ajar to an exit. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-rival-premier-league-clubs-red-alert-transfer-target-xavi-simons-tells-rb-leipzig-will-leave-this-summer/blt91317b34db63c543" target="_blank">He has also been linked with Manchester United</a>, while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-man-utd-green-light-benjamin-sesko-xavi-simons-race-rb-leipzig-sell-star-raise-eur100m/blt7a8c2f0c16b826c1" target="_blank">Arsenal are said to be interested too</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>City will hope to reach an agreement with Cherki in the coming days. If they are unable to do so, they may well turn their attention to Simons instead. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

Not a bad back-up! Man City's transfer alternative to Rayan Cherki revealed as Pep Guardiola continues rebuild | Goal.com

Manchester City have identified Xavi Simons as a potential alternative to Rayan Cherki if they do not reach an agreement to sign the Lyon ace. 