Charles Watts has suggested that Arsenal might launch the offensive to sign Rayan Cherki, with Liverpool also keen on signing the 21-year-old Frenchman from Lyon.
According to Charles Watts on Caught Offside, Rayan Cherki is the subject of interest from Liverpool. However, Arsenal might launch the offensive to sign the Lyon prospect, taking advantage of the Ligue 1 club’s financial issues. The Frenchman might cost around €25 million in the January transfer window.
Watts said, “Lyon’s plight is a sad one. Should the worst happen and they do get punished with relegation then you would imagine some of their best players would come onto the market, with Rayan Cherki at the top of that list. I’ve not been told of any Arsenal interest when it comes to Cherki, but you would think that top clubs across Europe would be open to him as a market opportunity should it arise.”
“He fits the type of profile Arsenal like to go for when it comes to new signings and there is a need to add another playmaker to the squad, as has been highlighted by Martin Odegaard’s absence. So it might be one to keep an eye on. Although the rumours are right now that Liverpool could be the club to watch when it comes to Cherki.”
Rayan Cherki and his extraordinary rise
Rayan Cherki has endured a topsy-turvy ride since breaking into the first-team squad at Olympique Lyonnais. A native of Lyon, the French attacking prospect spent most of his formative years with Lyon after kick-starting his youth career at AS Saint-Priest.
Cherki made his first-team bow for Lyon as a 16-year-old in October 2019 and has made considerable progress in the last half a decade. The 21-year-old has turned out over 150 times thus far for Les Gones while chipping in with 19 goals and 28 assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress and Lyon’s financial situation have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool.
A man in demand
Arsenal’s interest in Rayan Cherki is understandable. The Gunners have suffered this season in the absence of Martin Odegaard, with the Norwegian’s injury exposing the need to sign a central attacking midfielder. So, Cherki is a viable target, with Watts suggesting an impending move from Arsenal.
As for Liverpool, the 21-year-old French attacking prospect is an option worth considering amid the inconsistencies of Dominik Szoboszlai. So, Cherki can be a viable alternative to the Hungarian international, especially for a fee of around €25 million.
With Arsenal likely to come into contention to sign Cherki, Liverpool must step up and pull away in the race to secure the Frenchman’s services. It will be interesting to see if the Gunners beat their fellow Premier League club to the Lyon prospect.
