Chelsea linked with move for outstanding Lyon starlet

Chelsea are once again interested in the Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to reports.

Italian outlet Tutto Juve suggests that Chelsea - along with Serie A side Juventus as well as Newcastle - are ready to take advantage of the 20-year-old’s contract situation and seek to complete a cut-price deal this summer.

Cherki burst onto the scene aged only 16 in October 2019 as one of the most electrifying talents in the French game but has had his progress somewhat curtailed in recent years.

He is known as a player who retains an incredibly high ceiling but interested clubs in the recent past have been reportedly put off by issues with his application in training.

Cherki could be available for £25m

Cherki is a versatile player, featuring all across the frontline for Lyon, and is equally comfortable on either foot.

He has played 124 matches for Lyon since making his debut and is well established as a France under-21 international.

It was reported that Chelsea were interested in signing him last summer and the player was known to be keen on a transfer to the Premier League giants.

Juve, AC Milan and West Ham are all teams known to have scouted Cherki but he has thus far stayed put with Lyon.

It’s been a difficult season for the Ligue 1 side who are languishing just above the relegation zone and they could well seek to cash in on their assets this summer.

The club tied Cherki down to a new contract in 2023 in a bid to maintain his value but with his terms expiring in 2025 a deal could be done for around £25m.

It looks as though Chelsea’s blockbuster spending is over with FFP regulations to adhere to and with the club needing to offload £100m of players before the end of June.

Lyon are braced for Cherki bids and are well aware of his status as one of the most in-demand players of the coming transfer period.