Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing an ambitious swoop for Lyon duo Houssem Aouar and Rayan Cherki next summer.
According to a report from Fichajes, Lyon are bracing themselves for a raid by Real Madrid next summer for the double signing of Houssem Aouar and Rayan Cherki. The two players are highly-rated in the Madrid camp, and the club will want to secure a double swoop after the end of the season.
Aouar is already one of the best young midfielders in Ligue 1, having notched up almost 200 competitive appearances for Lyon at the tender age of 23. His technical prowess, combined with his ability to act as a ball-carrier, have seen him being linked with a move elsewhere in the past, with Tottenham reportedly interested.
The Frenchman was highly regarded by Real Madrid’s previous coach Zinedine Zidane. And it appears Carlo Ancelotti is keen on his services as well, with the former Everton coach desperate to add some reinforcements in the midfield department.
Los Blancos are already eyeing a January swoop for Donny van de Beek as they look for a long-term replacement for the ageing Luka Modric. One would imagine Aouar could be an alternative for the Manchester United outcast and predictably a cheaper one as well, with the midfielder’s contract at Lyon expiring in 2023.
Rayan Cherki, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the most gifted prospects in Ligue 1, which is no mean feat given the talents that are present in the French top-flight at the moment. The 18-year-old had enjoyed his professional breakthrough last season, featuring in 27 league matches.
Although Cherki has been only involved in four goals in 41 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon, he has impressed the onlookers with his silky footwork, quality on the ball and the ability to craft goalscoring opportunities. The attacking midfielder is quite versatile as well, as he can operate on both flanks.
His acquisition could prove to be quite useful for Real Madrid, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding Marco Asensio, who is a target for Newcastle United. The Spanish heavyweights are also expected to move on from Isco and Gareth Bale, so the addition of fresh talent like Cherki could help Ancelotti build the base for the future.
Real Madrid have been historically successful in signing players from Lyon, with their very own star Karim Benzema, being a product of Les Gones’ youth academy. Ancelotti & co. will be hoping for a similar level of success as they eye up a sensational double swoop for Aouar and Cherki next summer.