Arsenal might want to take note, as Fabrizio Romano and Patrick Berger have reported The availability of Rayan Cherki for a bargain rate.
There is a slight difference in the details reported by the two reporters, but the general thrust of the story is that a top quality attacking player could be an excellent option for clubs to consider if they want to strengthen up front without spending a fortune.
Arsenal will surely fall into that category right now amid their attacking injury crisis, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both out long-term.
Cherki has five goals and seven assists in all competitions for Lyon this season, and has long been regarded as a superb natural talent with plenty of flair and ability.
According to Berger, he is available for €22m in the summer, while Romano says the fee is €22.5m and also an option this January…
? EXCLUDE Rayan Cherki (21/??) could leave Olympique de Lyon this summer for a transfer fee of around 22 million euros. There is a secret verbal agreement (an exit option) between the player and the French club, made during his last contract extension in September. ??
Cherki’s contract is running… pic.twitter.com/bqHc8W8cPs
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) January 19, 2025
??? Rayan Cherki has a verbal agreement with OL for the January exit available for 22.5 million euros.
It is a verbal agreement with the player, not a formal release clause, but the same value as @berger_pj informed
There are several clubs interested in Cherki. pic.twitter.com/3DEoWVnpQl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
Cherki hasn’t always been the most consistent performer, but for this kind of price, Arsenal must surely consider this a worthwhile gamble.
The Gunners are struggling in the final third of this season, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard not at their best, making Mikel Arteta’s side too reliant on Saka, who he won’t be back until later this season.
Rayan Cherki transfer: Could Lyon star end up at Arsenal?
There is nothing to suggest that Arsenal are interested in Cherki at the moment, but it seems like an obvious opportunity that the north Londoners should explore.
Maybe the AFC will end up going for someone else, but it’s not easy to get big deals in the middle of the season, so this could end up being the best option.
There have been occasional questions about Cherki’s attitude and professionalism, but he is still only 21, so he could still mature in the coming years and take advantage of his enormous natural ability.
