Chelsea and Newcastle UnitedEdit are showing great interest in signing Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to a report from Transfers.
The report claims that Chelsea and Newcastle are “monitoring” Cherki's situation and could make a formal move to sign him in the summer.
The exciting playmaker will have just one year left on his contract at the end of the season and is no closer to signing an extension. With that in mind, Fichajes suggests that Lyon are ready to sell if an offer of at least £21m is put on the table.
The reported asking price seems quite reasonable for a player of his potential, in the current market, and should not be a problem for clubs with the financial resources available such as Chelsea and Newcastle.
Cherki will be tempted to move to the first division and the opportunity to play for clubs like Newcastle and Chelsea will be attractive to him. The Frenchman will bring vision, talent, creativity and composure to any team in the final third.
Cherki could transform Chelsea's
Chelsea have struggled in attack in recent months and could certainly do with a creative midfielder like Cherki, who can help them open up deep defenses with his vision and execution. His ability to connect with his teammates and link play together in the final third could make him an asset for Mauricio Pochettino's side.
The Lyon midfielder is only 20 years old and will improve with training and experience. He has all the tools to become a top-class playmaker and Chelsea would do well to secure his services while the price remains reasonable.
Cherki certainly has the ability to justify the £21m investment and it will be interesting to see whether Chelsea or Newcastle follow up their interest with an official bid to sign the player at the end of the season.
