Christian Pulisic becomes the latest player to leave Chelsea after the USMNT star arrived in Italy to complete his transfer to AC Milan. CFC will generate around £20 million from Pulisic’s sale and the Blues are already targeting a replacement for the USMNT talisman. Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki is on Chelsea’s short list as the wonderkid continues to impress.
Chelsea have added Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to their attack and are still looking to further reinforce the attack. With Pulisic gone, CFC have Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Hakim Ziyech as wide players. Ziyech is expected to depart before the start of the season, leaving the Blues with just three wide players. With Kai Havertz and Mason Mount gone too, Chelsea do not have many attacking midfield options.
Mauricio Pochettino will determine Nkunku’s role but there is surely a need for a player who is capable of playing out wide as well as in the attacking midfield. Chelsea have a player who ticks all boxes in their sights – Cherki, the Lyon attacker.
Chelsea make direct contact with Rayan Cherki
According to Daily Mail, CFC have made direct contact with Cherki as a replacement to Pulisic. Lyon are reluctant to sell Cherki and has been described as a player ‘not for sale’. The 19 year old has been magnificent form, catching the eye of several clubs across Europe. Elite teams have been tracking him since the age of 17 as his upward trajectory has continued.
CFC are unfazed by Lyon’s reluctance and want to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues are considering making an official offer for the Frenchman who has a contract at Lyon till 2025. PSG also tried to sign Cherki in January but Les Douges rejected an offer in the winter transfer window.
According to football.london, a £43 million bid shall be enough to persuade Lyon into making a transfer. The Ligue 1 club are in a difficult financial position but want to sell their youth players instead of selling their first team stars. What will surely come as a boost to Chelsea’s pursuit is that Cherki himself is open to the idea of moving to London.
As per TeamTalk, Cherki wants to join his former teammate Malo Gusto at Chelsea. Gusto, aged 20, signed a deal with the Blues valid till 2030 in January and has joined the West London outfit this summer. Cherki is one of the best young attackers in Europe and is one to keep an eye on. If the Blues can sign him, they will have their hands on a player with immense potential and talent.
Will CFC sign Rayan Cherki?