Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing highly-rated Olympique Lyonnaise youngster Rayan Cherki this summer.
The Blues want to sign an attacking midfielder this summer following the departure of Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount to AC Milan and Manchester United.
And according to the latest reports, they have identified Cherki as a potential replacement. The 19-year-old became a target for the Stamford Bridge club following his impressive performances for Lyon.
The Frenchman featured 34 times for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season, contributing ten goals. His performance quickly established him as a key component in Laurent Blanc’s starting lineup and has also attracted the interest of Mauricio Pochettino.
Cherki’s contract at the Groupama Stadium expires in 2025, and Chelsea hopes they can price him away from France.
But according to reports, Lyon wants €50 million (£ 42.7 million) for the 19-year-old. But Chelsea feels a deal could be done for closer to € 40 million (£ 35.2 million).
The Blues are also in a better negotiating position, given that Lyon prefers to sell Cherki to an overseas club than sell to a Ligue 1 rival.
With the French club open to a deal, it is left to Chelsea to find a solution.
