In his recent Le Parisien report (as cited by GFFN), renowned French journalist Benjamin Quarez revealed that Paris Saint-Germain will not reignite interest in Rayan Cherki. But the Olympic Lyonnais ace won’t be short of suitors, as the Premier League champions Liverpool have made enquiries ahead of a potential summer swoop.
However, the Reds are not alone in the hunt, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur also exploring the opportunity of snapping up the Frenchman in a cut-price transfer. It was a chaotic few days for Cherki when he was on the verge of joining PSG last summer. Although Lyon reached an agreement with Les Parisiens, the 21-year-old rejected the move in favour of a last-gasp switch to Borussia Dortmund. But the Bundesliga giants never struck a deal with Les Gones, thus forcing him to stay put at his boyhood club.
The French youth international extended his stay in September but could leave for €22.5m next month as per a clause in his new contract. Liverpool are keen on taking advantage of the situation, considering the youngster’s stellar form with 12 goals and 19 assists in 43 outings this season across competitions.
Why Liverpool Must Get The Deal Done
After a brief stint at Saint-Priest, Cherki progressed through Lyon’s esteemed academy ranks and featured for their reserves in the lower division. He was soon promoted to their first-team squad and has, so far, made 184 senior appearances, primarily as a ‘number 10′ or right-winger. His blistering form must have convinced Richard Hughes, the Reds’ sporting director, who is expected to script an overhaul with multiple inclusions and several exits from July onwards.
Arne Slot has done wonders in the red half of Merseyside with little backing from the owners. Federico Chiesa, their only recruit for the 2024-25 season, has hardly been involved by the Dutch boss, as he conquered the coveted Premier League crown with Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut.
Meanwhile, the ageing squad needs to be bolstered, and an array of fringe names must be replaced with fresh signings to challenge for silverware on all fronts. Besides Chiesa, Slot does not fancy Harvey Elliott in his first-team plans, having handed him just one Premier League start with two games remaining.
While the Englishman wants to fight for his place, Liverpool could sanction a transfer amid interest from various English sides, including Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cherki would be an upgrade both as a midfield attacker and a wide forward, and it remains to be seen whether the Reds trigger his buyout clause to have him in their ranks.
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