Transfer Centre

Chelsea to move for Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 02 July 2023

Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for 19-year-old Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki, whose contract with Les Gones runs for another two years.

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki.

The 19-year-old has long been regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Europe since bursting onto the scene with Lyon at the age of just 16.

Cherki made a name for himself in the 2019-20 Coupe de France, scoring three goals and setting up two more in three games, and he has since become an integral part of the Gones' first team.

The 2022-23 season was Cherki's best from a statistical point of view so far, as the 2003-born attacker registered five goals and six assists from 39 matches across all competitions.

Despite his tender age, the France Under-21 international has already turned out 102 times for the Lyon first team, banking 14 goals and 16 assists while gaining European experience in the Champions League and Europa League.

Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki in action against Paris Saint-Germain in February 2020 © Reuters

Cherki has also impressed for Les Bleuets with five goals and three assists from 12 international appearances, helping his nation reach the quarter-finals of the ongoing Under-21 European Championships.

The teenager is most comfortable as a right winger or number 10, but he has also honed his craft as a left winger and centre forward during the early days of his Lyon career.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Cherki's exploits have attracted the attention of Chelsea, who are exploring the signing of the young Frenchman in the current transfer window.

Lyon tied Cherki down to a new contract in April, and those terms are only due to run until 2025, but he would be unlikely to enjoy as much game time at Stamford Bridge as he would at his current club.

The Blues have already sought to address their attacking deficiencies from last season, which saw no player hit double figures for the Blues as Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz netted nine apiece.

Lyon forward Rayan Cherki in action in the Europa League in November 2021. © Reuters

Christopher Nkunku's arrival from RB Leipzig has been confirmed, several months on from a fee being agreed and his medical being completed, while Nicolas Jackson has also arrived from Villarreal.

However, Havertz has been offloaded to Arsenal in a £65m deal, while Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are also expected to be cut from the ranks ahead of the new season.

Chelsea are believed to be close to reaching an agreement with Inter Milan for the sale of Lukaku, who would return to San Siro on loan with an obligation to buy in 2024.

Meanwhile, Aubameyang has been the subject of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, but the ex-Arsenal man is not thought to be keen on a move to the Middle East at this moment in his career.

Aubameyang has made his desire to return to Barcelona clear, but his chances of a return to Camp Nou are minimal, as Blaugrana boss Xavi is not on the lookout for a new striker this summer.