Chelsea are looking to add a creative midfielder to their ranks this summer and Rayan Cherki has been identified as a possible option for Mauricio Pochettino, football.london understands.
The 19-year-old was exceptional for Lyon last season and his performances did not go unnoticed. Chelsea had sent scouts initially to watch Malo Gusto, who was signed by the club but loaned back to the French side in January, but they were impressed with what they saw from his teammate Cherki.
football.london spoke to Lyon supporter and expert, Nicholas Mamo, on Monday about the possibility of Cherki moving to Stamford Bridge. Mamo believes if Lyon were to sell this summer then they would be looking for a fee in the region of €40million (£34.3million) for his signature.
"Lyon want €35million [£30million] for [Castello] Lukeba, whose contract expires in 2025, like Cherki," Mamo explained. "Lukeba is one year older, a defender and significantly less hyped. I expect Lyon to push for at least €40million [£34.3million] for Cherki, but they might go for more. At that price, however, I expect other teams, maybe even PSG, to start a bidding war."
Cherki certainly fits the bill when it comes to what we would now call a 'typical Chelsea transfer target'. At 19, he is so young and there is so much opportunity for him to improve. He is also a versatile midfielder who can play in the attacking line if needed.
For the majority of the 2022/23 season, Cherki played in an attacking midfield position – the No.10 role. In that role, he produced six direct goal contributions (four goals and two assists).
READ MORE: Chelsea sent Rayan Cherki transfer message as Mauricio Pochettino seeks Mason Mount alternative
During his time at Spurs, Pochettino often deployed the 4-2-3-1 formation and used Dele Alli behind Harry Kane in the No.10 role. Pochettino would then use Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen in the wide positions, with a double pivot of two central midfielders behind to sweep up.
Pochettino helped turn Alli into one from England's most exciting young talents to a top-class footballer. The Argentine's work with the former Tottenham man saw him turn into an established England international. Since Pochettino left Spurs, Alli has been unable to replicate what he once showcased in north London.
In some ways, Cherki and Alli back then share similar profiles. They are both young attacking midfielders who have a point to prove and under the right guidance, have the ability to become a world-class talent. It's something that might appeal to Pochettino.
Alli's love and admiration for Pochettino was obvious to see for everyone and it was made abundantly clear by his goodbye message when leaving Tottenham. The former England international wrote: "I want to give a special mention to Mauricio and his staff for their trust and guidance in the early part of my career at Spurs, which gave me the confidence and platform to show what I can do."
Nothing is advanced when it comes to Chelsea's pursuit of Cherki – we are still at the very early stages. However, it is definitely one to keep an eye on over the next few weeks as the Blues' attention turns to incomings after a multitude of outgoings from Stamford Bridge.
