Arsenal may want to take note as Fabrizio Romano and Patrick Berger have both reported the availability of Rayan Cherki at a bargain price.
There is a slight difference in the details reported by the two journalists, but the general thrust of the story is that a top quality attacking player could be a superb option for clubs to consider if they want to strengthen at forward without spending a fortune.
Arsenal surely fall into this category at the moment amid their injury crisis in attack, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both out for the 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 €22 million this summer, while Romano says the fee is €22.5 million and also an option in January…
? EXCL. Rayan Cherki (21/??) could leave Olympique Lyon this summer for a transfer fee of around €22 million. There is a secret verbal agreement (an exit option) between the player and the French club, reached during his last contract extension in September. ??
Cherki’s contract runs… pic.twitter.com/bqHc8W8cPs
-Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) January 19, 2025
??? Rayan Cherki has a verbal agreement with OL for an exit in January available at €22.5 million.
This is a verbal pact with the player, not a formal release clause but of the same value — as @berger_pj reported.
There are several clubs passionate about Cherki. pic.twitter.com/3DEoWVnpQl
-Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
Cherki hasn’t always been the most consistent player, but for that kind of price, Arsenal must surely consider this a gamble worth taking.
The Gunners are really struggling in the final third this season, with Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard not quite at their best, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side too dependent on Saka, who won’t be back until later this season.
Rayan Cherki transfer: Could the Lyon star end up at Arsenal?
At the moment there is nothing to suggest 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 make major deals in the middle of the season, so this might turn out to be the best option.
There have been occasional question marks over Cherki’s attitude and professionalism, but he is still only 21 so could mature in the years to come and exploit his formidable natural abilities.
