Arsenal may need to take note, as Fabrizio Romano and Patrick Berger have both reported that Rayan Cherki could be available on the cheap.
The two reporters reported slightly different details, but the general gist of the story is that if the club wants to strengthen their front line without spending a fortune, a top offensive player could be a great option for them to consider.
Arsenal certainly fall into that category right now as they have an injury crisis in attack, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus out long-term.
Cherki has contributed 5 goals and 7 assists to Lyon in all competitions this season and has long been regarded as a talented and capable talent.
According to Berger, he was priced at €22 million in the summer, while Romano stated that the fee would be €22.5 million, also an option in January this year…
? exclude. Rayan Cherki (21/??) could leave Olympique Lyonnais this summer for a transfer fee of approximately €22 million. There is a secret verbal agreement (exit option) between the player and the French club, which was agreed during his last contract extension in September. ??
Cherki’s contract is valid for… pic.twitter.com/bqHc8W8cPs
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) January 19, 2025
??? Rayan Cherki reached a verbal agreement with OL and agreed to exit in January for a price of 22.5 million euros.
This is a verbal agreement with the player, not a formal release clause, but has the same value – just like @berger_pj the report said.
Several clubs are interested in Cherki. pic.twitter.com/3DEoWVnpQl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
Cherki hasn’t always been the most consistent performer, but for that price, Arsenal certainly need to consider it a gamble worth taking.
The Gunners have really struggled in the final third this season, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard not at their best, which has left the Gunners Kerr Arteta’s side are overly reliant on Saka, who won’t return until later in the season.
Rayan Cherki transfer: Will Lyon star finally join Arsenal?
There is currently no suggestion that Arsenal are interested in Cherki, but it seems like an obvious opportunity that the north Londoners should explore.
Maybe the AFC will end up choosing someone else, but it’s not easy to pull off a major trade in the middle of the season, so this might be the best option.
Questions have occasionally been raised about Cherki’s attitude and professionalism, but he is still only 21, so he will likely mature and capitalize on his immense talent in the years to come.
