Who is Rayan Cherki? The Lyon prodigy wanted by Chelsea and PSG

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 12 Jul 2023 10:24 CDT
6 min read

Rayan Cherki celebrates scoring against Monaco for Lyon — © ProShots

Lyon's academy has produced some fabulous young players over the years but few have excited the world like Rayan Cherki, who is touted as one of the best wonderkids of his generation.

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Cherki is only 19 but is already a key member of the first team squad at the Groupama Stadium, having made more than 100 appearances for the French side already.

While Lyon remain one of the biggest clubs in France, Cherki has already attracted the attention of Europe's elite, with Chelsea rumoured to be targeting the teenager this summer.

But what kind of player is Cherki and why are so many teams desperate to sign the youngster? FootballTransfers breaks down everything you need to know about Lyon's latest gem.

What position does Rayan Cherki play in?

Cherki is versatile due to his ability to play with both feet but he has mainly featured for Lyon in attacking midfield, usually playing in the middle but also being able to operate on either wing and come inside.

How good is Rayan Cherki?

The impact that Cherki has already made in his very short professional career highlights his promise.

He is currently Lyon's youngest ever goalscorer and the youngest player ever to play in a Champions League semi-final which he achieved in the 2019/20 campaign as the French side played Bayern Munich.

For Lyon's reserve side, he made his debut in the Championnat National 2 aged just 15.

Cherki isn't blessed with particularly impressive strength or speed - even if that may come as he grows - but he has a wonderful command of the ball.

His dribbling ability and flair in possession is superb and it is that, with a little added trickery, that has allowed to make a name for himself.

Cherki has yet to display the consistent end product that he would be required to provide should he make the step up to a bigger club but he enjoyed his most fruitful season yet in 2022/23.

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Cherki made 21 starts for Lyon with a further 13 games coming from the bench and netted four goals and six assists in Ligue 1.

Roger Martinez, Cherki's first coach at L'AS Saint-Priest, said of his talents:

"When I was first saw him, he was 6 years old. He could do everything with the ball already. He was unbelievable. He could do 'keepie uppies' with both feet.

"For me, he is a genius. He has always played with boys two years older than him. Everybody knew he would make it because he was so special."

What clubs are interested in Rayan Cherki?

Chelsea are believed to have the strongest interest in Cherki and could make a move for him this summer as they look to build on their youthful contingent.

PSG also made an approach for Cherki in January 2023 while Newcastle have also been linked to the forward, who is thought to be valued at €40 million by Lyon.