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Liverpool and Manchester City face battle for Rayan Cherki ahead of Florian Wirtz transfer decision - Paper Round
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Published 03/06/2025 at 22:58 GMT+1
Liverpool and Manchester City may go head-to-head in the race for Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, while Manchester United are heading the race for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Elsewhere, AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and Ajax are all linked with a move for a Chelsea striker, and amid interest from Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur have set their valuation for central defender Cristian Romero.
'A big talent' - Gerrard talks Wirtz pursuit, Slot impact, new Salah deal
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Slot meets Cherki
Arne Slot met with Lyon forward Rayan Cherki to sound out the Frenchman over a potential move to Liverpool.
Liverpool are prioritising a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, but may battle for City target Cherki if needed.
The Athletic says the focus is on the German player, "but it can be disclosed that Arne Slot left his holiday last week and flew to the south of France to meet Lyon’s Rayan Cherki."
The report continued: "Liverpool are committed to Wirtz, though that doesn’t stop them performing due diligence on other options and preparing for all outcomes.
"The Cherki discussions were scheduled before the Wirtz chase accelerated and it is normal to proceed with such conversations while your priority signing is not complete and multiple plates are spinning.
"Wirtz was also targeted by Manchester City and Bayern Munich. City’s pursuit did not develop further and they are now focusing on Cherki.
"While reports have suggested there is a release clause worth €22.5million in his contract, this is not the case and Lyon want to negotiate for a significantly bigger fee — despite Cherki’s terms expiring next summer.
"Agreements still need to be found between the clubs and with Cherki, however the situation is progressing and City are hopeful of landing the 21-year-old Frenchman."
Man Utd may scupper Liverpool deal for Mbeumo
Manchester United are said to be leading the chase for Brentford’s wide forward Bryan Mbeumo.
As a result, that could throw a spanner in the works of a transfer strategy for Liverpool, who may have brought him in as a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
The Mirror explains: "Manchester United are chasing Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo in a move which could have a knock-on effect for rivals Liverpool.
"United had wanted to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, but are now looking at a £50million deal for Mbeumo.
"Mbeumo plays in the same position as Mohamed Salah on the right wing and has a similar style, often cutting onto his left foot to shoot at goal.
"It had been suggested that the 25-year-old Cameroon international would therefore make a solid long-term successor to Salah.
"Salah signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool back in April, but with the Egyptian star now 32 years old – and with a move to the Saudi Pro League still on the cards in the future – there is a need to plan ahead.
"If Mbeumo chooses to move to Old Trafford then it would seem that Liverpool will need to go back to the drawing board."
Chelsea striker wanted by AC Milan
Armando Broja could be on his way to a new side on a permanent deal at long last, with the 23-year-old linked to four European sides.
AC Milan, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig have all been in contact for the player, according to The Sun.
The paper writes: "Armando Broja could finally be set to end his Chelsea nightmare this summer.
"The Albanian hitman, 23, is in talks over a move away from Stamford Bridge with four potential suitors.
"Sources have told SunSport that AC Milan and Ajax have both been in touch ahead of what will be a busy summer at Chelsea.
"Talks with Dutch side PSV and Germans RB Leipzig have already taken place."
Spurs set Romero transfer fee
Tottenham Hotspur want more than ÂŁ60 million from any side that wishes to sign defender Cristian Romero this summer.
The 27-year-old has appeared unsettled at times and Atletico Madrid have long been linked with the player.
The Daily Mail reports: "Tottenham are understood to be asking in excess of ÂŁ60 million should Cristian Romero push to leave this summer.
"The combative Argentine centre-back is regarded as one of the most important players in Ange Postecoglou's squad.Â
"As such, the club would demand a premium for the 27-year-old, with Atletico Madrid interested in him.Â
"Romero has been at Tottenham since 2021 when he joined, initially on loan from Atalanta before the deal was made permanent for around ÂŁ13m."
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