Lyon make transfer decision amid Chelsea Cherki pursuit

Tom Weber

• Updated: 13 Jul 2023 15:30 CDT
• 3 min read

Lyon are determined to keep hold of Rayan Cherki amid Chelsea interest, according to a report.

The Ligue 1 giants are currently being monitored by French football's financial watchdog who want financial guarantees from the club following John Textor's takeover. This has given rise to speculation that Lyon may have to cash in on some of their players in order to balance the books.

Indeed, this speculation appeared to have been confirmed in recent days when it came to light that they would be open to selling Castello Lukeba and that Romain Favre is close to joining Bournemouth. Rayan Cherki has also been touted as a potential departure, with the 19-year-old earmarked as Christian Pulisic's replacement at Chelsea.

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

The Guardian, however, claims that Lyon are not in need of raising funds by offloading some talent. Moreover, the seven-time French champions are determined to rebuff the Blues' advances for Cherki.

Cherki at Chelsea?

Cherki is regarded as one of French football's biggest and most unique talents. An old-school creator with a wand of a left foot, the 19-year-old loves to beat players with his silky skill moves.

The attacking midfielder chipped in with four goals and six assists last term and has seen his stocks rise. In light of the reporting that Lyon will not let Cherki walk away easily, he may fetch a hefty fee if Chelsea are serious about their intentions to sign him.

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The Blues have already spent north of €100 million on Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, but their expenses have been offset by a summer clearout of epic proportions with a full starting eleven worth of talent already departing, and more are expected to follow suit.

Cherki, a Lyon native, is a product of Olympique's famed youth academy that has produced the likes of Karim Benzema, Hatem Ben Arfa, Alexandre Lacazette, Houssem Aouar, his current teammate Bradley Barcola and Chelsea's Malo Gusto among a host of other big names.