Chelsea are going to find resistance from Olympique Lyonnais in their pursuit to sign young midfielder Rayan Cherki, claims The Guardian’s Ed Aarons. The Blues want to add more firepower to their attack after roping in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in the summer.
Chelsea Face Difficulties in Rayan Cherki Chase
🛡️🔵#UPDATE: Lyon are determined not to sell Rayan Cherki this summer despite strong interest from Chelsea in the France Under-21 forward.@ed_aarons #CFC pic.twitter.com/eeGMxLX76z
— 💥 BlueCo Xtra 💙 (@Bluecoxtra) July 12, 2023
Chelsea Eyeing Cherki as Christian Pulisic Successor
The 19-year-old made his debut for the Ligue 1 side at the age of 16 and has been impressing for them ever since, being recognized for his exciting playing style that involves a sizzling dribbling ability and a skilful passing ability.
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Aarons adds that the Blues are eyeing Cherki as a possible replacement for Christian Pulisic, who has opted to join AC Mila. It’s stated that Chelsea held talks with Lyon’s owner John Textor over the potential transfer, but will face resistance from the French side.
Lyon are reportedly determined to resist Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s push to sign the 19-year-old winger, as they want to keep him for next season. Aarons reports that the Frenchman is valued at around £50 million and that Newcastle United also recently expressed a desire to sign him. However, neither of the Premier League side are going to find it easy to sign the young sensation in the summer window.
What Can Cherki Bring to Chelsea?
Cherki is a graduate of Lyon’s youth academy and has already made over 100 appearances across all competitions at just 19 years of age. The teenager is a versatile midfielder, being able to operate as a no.10 and on either wing if necessary.
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The 19-year-old loves to dribble with the ball, which makes him an exciting figure to watch. He also excels in creating chances with his defence-splitting passes and can also take set-pieces. Cherki has been hailed as ‘sensational’ for his impressive playing style – which has seen him score eight goals and deliver 10 assists for Lyon in Ligue 1 so far. However, his high value means that Chelsea needs to pay over the odds if they want to rope him in as the successor for Pulisic.
Chelsea Lineup Predictions
Last Word on Football had this to say on the potential lineup the Blues will set up with in the coming term:
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