With his contract situation a cause for concern, with Premier League trio Newcastle United, Chelsea and Crystal Palace watching closely, this was not what the fans wanted to hear from their £30 million man.
While he might have put pen to paper back in September, a 12-month extension to his existing contract hardly had the effect of removing Rayan Cherki’s name from the gossip columns.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
And with the Lyon whizzkid finally showing signs of fulfilling the potential that had some drawing comparisons with a Lille-era Eden Hazard, it’s no wonder interest is on the rise across the Channel.
TBR can confirm that Newcastle and Chelsea scouted Rayan Cherki, alongside free-scoring striker Jonathan David, as Lyon took on Lille at the start of November. Crystal Palace are big fans of the France Under 21 international, too.
And, with John Textor a majority shareholder at both Palace and Lyon, The Eagles could use their contacts at the Groupama Stadium in an attempt to lure Cherki away.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle target Rayan Cherki won’t rule out transfer
Crystal Palace also like winger Ernest Nuamah – who came within touching distance of joining Fulham in August – and young right-back Sael Kumbedi.
Cherki’s response when asked about a potential £30 million departure, meanwhile, will have done little to quell the speculation.
“We’ll see at the end of the season if I’m still here or not,” the 21-year-old said rather bluntly, speaking to Canal Plus after putting on a masterclass in Lyon’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.
Be the first to comment