Transfer LIVE: Chelsea Set To Submit Bid For €40m Rated Lyon Wonderkid Cherki

The Blues are reportedly preparing a bid for Lyon’s €40m-rated Rayan Cherki, as they look to fill the void left by Christian Pulisic.

The French player, who has reportedly been on Chelsea’s radar for some time, is one of their top targets as they attempt to find a replacement for Pulisic, who is close to joining AC Milan, according to ESPN.

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Cherki, a Lyon native and graduate of the team’s development academy, is now under contract with the French team through June 2025.

In January, Lyon turned down a bid from Paris Saint-Germain for Cherki. The club may, however, be forced to contemplate selling players in order to raise money for summer recruits due to its financial difficulties and their need to adhere to French financial fair play standards.

Cherki can play in a number of attacking positions, including winger, second striker, No. 10, and even false 9. He is equally skilled with both feet. Chelsea scouts were impressed by his recent exploits with the French national team at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship, despite France’s sad quarterfinal loss to Ukraine.

The arrival of Malo Gusto at Stamford Bridge in January aided in the amicable development of ties between Chelsea and Lyon. This connection might make it easier for the two teams to negotiate the purchase of Cherki.