Chelsea now want another Man City star that could have joined in Andrey Santos swap deal
If Man City’s appeal fails and sanctions are imposed on the club, an exodus from the Etihad is likely, and Chelsea are ready to pounce. The Blues have already been linked with a few City players.
Already, defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been linked with Chelsea. At the same time, Erling Haaland is said to be open to joining if the sanctions are so rigorous that Enzo Maresca’s side suffer relegation.
Roy Keane might feel sorry for Enzo Fernandez, but Chelsea are unlikely to be as forgiving. Now, they are being linked with another Man City player, a player that they have tried to sign before he joined City.
Chelsea want to sign Rayan Cherki from Manchester City
Cherki only joined Man City from Lyon in the summer of 2025, and has since sparkled in the Premier League under both Pep Guardiola and now Maresca. Last season, he had a hand in 27 goals in 56 games.
This season, he has already continued that form. Another four goals and two assists in eight appearances for City, including a brace against Crystal Palace and both assists in a win against AFC Bournemouth.
You can have TWO Man City players, who are you picking and why? 👀
Imagine if Man City actually get relegated 😳
According to Ekrem Konur, Chelsea are long-term admirers of Cherki. The reporter claims that Chelsea have tried to sign him before, but a deal collapsed when Lyon proposed Andrey Santos in a swap deal.
“Chelsea have long admired Rayan Cherki. [In the] past, tried to sign him before City move; Lyon wanted Andrey Santos in a swap deal; collapsed. If City face sanctions, Chelsea could revive interest,” he said.
Cole Palmer signing also saw Chelsea decide against Cherki
It is claimed that PSG and Liverpool are also keen on Cherki. It means any deal for the ex-Lyon man is only possible if Chelsea get themselves back into the Champions League to compete for his signature.
But there have been many moments where Chelsea have tried to get Cherki. Previous reports from 2025 claim that Chelsea actually came close to landing Cherki, only to decide against it due to Cole Palmer.
Cherki would have to ask the same question now. With Morgan Rogers and Palmer on fire in a 3-4-2-1 system, where would he play? The City star is a game-changer, but he might not even start at Chelsea.
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