Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing 21-year-old French playmaker Rayan Cherki from Ligue 1 club Lyon this summer.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Rayan Cherki has a growing market in the Premier League. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Lyon playmaker in the summer transfer window. The beleaguered Ligue 1 club will likely sell the French youth international for less than £25 million.
The Rayan Cherki renaissance
Rayan Cherki has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Ligue 1 since breaking into the first-team squad at Olympique Lyonnais nearly half a dozen years ago. The Frenchman was a teenage wonderkid but was not productive enough until the ongoing campaign, with a shift in attitude helping him turn his fortunes around.
The 21-year-old has contributed to 26 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions thus far this term, finding the back of the net eight times and providing 18 assists. Meanwhile, Cherki’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs are keen on signing the youngster, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham vying for his signature.
A man in demand
The French youth international has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The Gunners are combing the market for a versatile attacking heading into the summer transfer window to reduce the over-dependence on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. So, Cherki is a viable target for Arsenal. As for Manchester United, Ruben Amorim wants more firepower in the final third.
So, Rayan Cherki has emerged on Manchester United’s radar, with his versatility, vision, and productivity making him the ideal fit in Amorim’s system. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s interest in the Lyon playmaker is understandable. While Morgan Rogers has been excellent for the West Midlands club, Unai Emery wants more options in the final third.
Cherki might be the ideal alternative to Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa cannot seal a permanent move for the Manchester United misfit. As for Tottenham Hotspur, the Lilywhites are scouring the market for a productive attacker amid uncertainties surrounding Richarlison’s long-term future. In addition, Timo Werner will not seal a permanent move to Tottenham this summer.
Meanwhile, Lyon will not demand a premium to part ways with the 21-year-old Frenchman amid the crippling financial issues. The Olympics 2024 silver medalist will be available for less than £25 million, and the Premier League clubs should have the funds to afford him this summer.
