- 23 hours ago
Chelsea lodge €20m offer for Liverpool's dream Salah replacement
Cameron Smith
- 18 Nov 2024 09:30 GMT
- 3 min read
Chelsea are reportedly eager to beat Liverpool in the race to sign Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki next year.
The France U21 international has been linked with a Premier League move for several seasons, but a Lyon departure is on the cards in January due to the club’s dire financial situation.
The French giants’ debt currently stands at over €500 million and they have been informed that they will be relegated to Ligue 2 if they are unable to drastically improve their financial position before the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
READ MORE: Chelsea’s €60m offer for Premier League’s ‘most popular’ striker
As a result, a January fire-sale is expected, and Chelsea and Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of Lyon’s situation by finalising a deal for Cherki.
In fact, both clubs have already submitted a €20m offer for the 21-year-old, according to Spanish news outlet Fichajes.
READ MORE: Man Utd eye DOUBLE Chelsea swoop
Rayan Cherki to leave Lyon?
Cherki has been touted as a possible long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, with the Lyon superstar among the list of players being considered by Arne Slot’s side, along with Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo.
However, Chelsea are also keen on completing a deal, despite the imminent arrivals of both Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez in 2025, and the presence of Cole Palmer.
The Blues already have a plethora of forward options at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, but they are reportedly keeping tabs on Cherki as they eye a possible bargain move for the talented attacking midfielder.
STATS
Rayan Cherki
AM (L), M (C)
Lyon
Rayan Cherki
AM (L), M (C)
Lyon
Cherki has two goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign, and although he only signed a contract extension in September, his new Lyon deal is due to expire in 2026.
However, despite interest from Chelsea and Liverpool, Cherki reportedly “dreams” of joining Real Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move in 2025.
