Chelsea make contact with ‘exceptional’ France wonderkid Rayan Cherki… despite Lyon insisting the 19-year-old is ‘not for sale’ as Blues look to replace outgoing Christian Pulisic
- Rayan Cherki came through the Lyon academy before making his debut in 2020
- Chelsea have made contact with the midfielder’s representatives over a transfer
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Chelsea have asked about Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki.
The Blues have an eye on the youngster as they look to replace Christian Pulisic, who has landed in Italy after agreeing a four-year contract with AC Milan.
The French club are reluctant to sell their rising star, and his existing agreement keeps him in northwestern France until 2025.
Unfazed, Chelsea are pursuing a deal and are considering an official offer for the 19-year-old after discussions with his team.
Football.London report that PSG have maintained their interest in the winger following an unsuccessful approach in January.
Rayan Cherki has been hailed as one of the best talents to come out of Lyon’s academy
Cherki scored twice during France’s U21 European Championships campaign this summer
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Lyon, who are in a difficult financial position, are said to be more willing to sell their youth prospect abroad rather than strengthen a Ligue 1 rival.
Lyon manager Laurent Blanc is a huge admirer of Cherki, recently describing him as an ‘exceptional player’.
‘He is still a young player, very talented,’ Blanc said. ‘I think we are on the right path. We have come a long way. We always want more because he has exceptional qualities.’
He will reunite with former Blues team-mates Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who joined Milan after almost two decades at Chelsea in a £15m deal last month.
Cherki’s addition would fill the void left by Pulisic, who is set to complete a £20m move to Serie A giants AC Milan.
Mauricio Pochettino is attempting to get his squad in shape for the upcoming 2023-24 season
The USMNT captain endured a frustrating four-year spell at Stamford Bridge after his £58m move in 2019, but did help the Blues claim their second Champions League crown in 2021.
Alongside the pursuit of Cherki, Chelsea are locked in negotiations with Brighton for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls are holding firm on their £100m valuation of the 21-year-old who is desperate to link up with Mauricio Pochettino’s revamped squad.
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