Chelsea 'never close to signing Rayan Cherki this summer'

Chelsea were reportedly never close to successfully negotiating a deal for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki this summer.

Throughout the most recent transfer window, the Blues went on a wide crusade to secure deals for some of the world's most highly-regarded prospects.

In total, Todd Boehly and Clearlake signed as many as 16 fresh faces, some of them immediately included in Mauricio Pochettino's plans and others viewed as ones of the future.

Chelsea took a particular liking to acquiring the services of French players with Axel Disasi, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku all arriving at Stamford Bridge.

For a number of weeks, it was suggested that Chelsea were strongly interested in wrapping up the addition of Cherki from Lyon.

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The 20-year-old has been regarded as a top talent ever since breaking into the first team at the fallen-French giants, who are no longer regular participants on the continent.

Since coming through the academy system, the French Under-21 has contributed 14 goals and 16 assists from his 106 appearances in all competitions.

With less than two years left on his contract, there is an expectation that Cherki will eventually depart the Groupama Stadium and make the switch to a bigger European club.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea never made the kind of progress in discussions for Cherki that suggested that a deal could be reached this summer.

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Romano adds that Chelsea have been monitoring the development of the creative forward without ever convincing Lyon that a compromise over a transfer may be reached.

Cherki has since started each of Lyon's four fixtures in Ligue 1 this season, failing to contribute a goal or assist at a time when his team have collected just one point.

Boss Laurent Blanc has since been removed from his position, leaving Lyon looking for a replacement as they bid to move off the bottom of the table.

Another unnamed Premier League outfit are said to have held an interest in Cherki, only to be met with a firm no from Les Gones officials.