Chelsea ‘hopeful’ of signing Ligue 1 starlet for £30m

Chelsea optimistic about completing Rayan Cherki’s signing for around £30million

Chelsea are keen on signing Olympique Lyonnais youngster Rayan Cherki and are hopeful they will complete his acquisition for around £30 million.

According to 90min, (h/t Express) the Blues have opened talks with the U21 France international. The midfielder enjoyed an excellent season last term, where he registered five goals and six assists in 39 games across competitions.

For a player his age, that is pretty good. Not to mention, he is already a pinned starter at the French club. His impressive performance has seen him draw comparisons with former Chelsea player Eden Hazard, who established himself as a west Londoners’ legend.

The 19-year-old is also open to joining the club, as it is understood that the Frenchman is ready to follow his former teammate Malo Gusto to Stamford Bridge. However, it comes down to the Blues to open the talks with Lyon for his signing.

Chelsea training is already underway for next season under Mauricio Pochettino, who is preparing to build a competitive squad and has established a ‘no nonsense’ method at the club where unwanted players will be sold. The Blues are set to travel to the USA for pre-season games before they open their 2023–24 campaign against Liverpool on August 13^th.

After selling Mason Mount to Manchester United, we are in need of an attacking midfielder, and Cherki might fill his void. Hazard could play down the flanks and as a No. 10, much like Cherki. He wasn’t afraid to take on defenders, create goal-scoring chances for his teammates and let fly from distance.

The key thing is, he did it season after season at Stamford Bridge, which is what Cherki must aim for if he does come here. There is a need for attacking players in midfield, especially after the sales of Christian Pulisic, Mount and Mateo Kovacic.

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The Lyon starlet seems like a good option. He’s young, yes, but his talent from last season suggests he’ll only get better with time. In addition, we have Mauricio Pochettino, who can assist the youngster in achieving his potential for growth. He is only 19 and bursting with talent, so if he masters his full abilities, we can have a bargain deal on our hands if the aforementioned price tag is actualised.