Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'preparing opening bid for Lyon's Rayan Cherki'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 July 2023

Chelsea are allegedly preparing to make an opening bid for Lyon winger Rayan Cherki as they bid to replace some of their outgoing attacking players.

Chelsea are allegedly preparing to step up their interest in Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki.

As expected, much of Chelsea's summer thus far has been dominated by player exits, the club's owners needing to ensure that all FFP criteria is met before the new campaign.

There have been as many as eight high-profile exits, with Chelsea recouping in excess of £200m, while other players have departed on free transfers.

Christian Pulisic is also on the brink of signing for AC Milan, a deal which will see Chelsea generate further funds to balance the books, yet there is now a need to add to their ranks.

Mauricio Pochettino has already witnessed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson move to Stamford Bridge in order to bolster his options in the final third ahead of 2023-24.

Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino during the press conference on July 7, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, at a time when Chelsea theoretically have just six players for the attacking positions, Pochettino has acknowledged that more talent must arrive in West London.

Cherki is one of the names that have been linked with Chelsea, the prospect having been tipped for a move to a bigger club ever since he burst onto the scene at Lyon.

According to ESPN, Chelsea have now settled on the decision that they want to secure a deal for the 19-year-old.

The report claims that Chelsea are ready to make a formal approach for the France Under-21 international, one which will naturally test the resolve of his current club who have missed out on European football.

Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon in February 2022 © Reuters

Cherki is allegedly valued in the region of €40m (£34.1m), a fee that Chelsea may be willing to pay given the potential that they see in the youngster.

Despite his age, Cherki has already made a total of 102 appearances for Lyon in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and 16 assists in the senior ranks.

As well as Cherki having just two years left on his contract, Chelsea's ambitions to sign him are further boosted by Lyon needing to sell players before they make significant additions over the next seven weeks of business.

Earlier this week, Chelsea were also credited with an interest in Montpellier forward Elye Wahi, Cherki's France Under-21s teammate who netted 19 times in Ligue 1 during 2022-23.