Chelsea target DROPPED by Ligue 1 outfit for their loanee youngster
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 23 Sept 2023 21:07 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea target Rayan Cherki has been dropped by new Lyon boss Fabio Grosso in the starting XI for the club’s Ligue 1 match with Brest - amid speculation linking the attacker to Stamford Bridge.
The coach has previously stated that he will pick sides based on performances in training. Cherki has been linked with a move to Chelsea since the summer transfer window, but no offer came in for him. The Blues are still looking to bolster their frontline after having an overhaul over the past two windows.
Cherki recently changed his agency to that of Kylian Mbappe’s, with the firm run by the Paris Saint–Germain striker’s mum, in a bid presumably to make a transfer happen at some point.
READ: Newcastle snub Chelsea’s January window enquiry for Bruno Guimaraes
He was left out of the side by Grosso in favour of Diego Moreira on Saturday, who is at the club on loan from Chelsea.
Former interest in Cherki
In the summer, Lyon resisted Chelsea’s interest in signing Cherki, even though it was rumoured that their owner, John Textor, would have to sell players to boost funds and balance the books.
READ: Premier League managers: Full list of current bosses as Ten Hag battles Sancho
The club did sound out the youngster over a possible move but, indeed, it was snubbed. Cherki was earmarked as a replacement for Christian Pulisic, who left for Milan for €22million, but no offer came in.
No Rayan Cherki in Fabio Grosso's first Lyon starting XI 👀 pic.twitter.com/8Wrd7yD8qf
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) September 23, 2023
Cherki, who has also been linked with a move to Newcastle, spoke to L’Equipe last year about the lack of opportunities with his current club.
He said: “I’m trying to do my best to show that I deserve a starting place [at Lyon]. I know that my time will come at some point. I am patient, even if the impatience is starting to be felt.”
