‘War’ declared between Mbappe and ex-Arsenal star

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 20 May 2023 11:03 BST
• 3 min read

Rayan Cherki has declared a “war” between Lyon teammate Alexandre Lacazette and PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe that will run until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old Cherki caught the eye during Lyon’s 3-1 success over Monaco on Friday. The creative forward dazzled for OL, setting up Maxence Caqueret’s winner with some fine footwork before scoring the third himself after some equally nice individual play.

But it is Lacazette who has been Lyon’s outstanding goal scorer in what has been a disappointing season for the club. He netted his 26th Ligue 1 goal of the season against Monaco, turning in a Bradley Barcola cutback.

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That strike took the former Arsenal man level with Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts and Cherki says it is now his mission to help Lacazette win the top scorer award.

“It will be a war until the end of the season!” the attacker said when he was asked about the race between the two forward. “It’ll be beautiful to see.

“Lacazette knows that I’ll do everything for him to win even if Kylian is my friend.

“May the best man win – even if I’ll do everything to help my friend Alex win.”

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Cherki reveals his weaknesses

Cherki, meanwhile, came close to scoring one of the goals of the season thanks to some incredible footwork. After evading two challenges, his shot was saved and Caqueret followed up to score.

He revealed his coach was not happy.

“Laurent Blanc came to see me and told me that I was stupid and I should have scored the goal of the season!” he added.

“I don’t think he’s wrong. He’s tough and demanding with me. It’s for my own good.

“We have a relationship that I’ve not had with other coaches. It’s what brings me the most happiness and desire to improve.”

Meanwhile, the teenager wonderkid admits he is working to iron out the inefficiencies in his game.

“My goal was handsome,” he said. “Thank God, I have the quality to do that kind of thing. But I have to do it regularly now.”

Cherki has been linked with a move to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United in the past.