Lyon respond to Chelsea approach for Rayan Cherki

Lyon are keen to keep Rayan Cherki this summer following Chelsea’s approach for the 19-year-old, according to reports.

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Chelsea have already bolstered Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking options with the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer.

But the club are still in the market for another new forward as Christian Pulisic is on the verge of joining AC Milan in a £20 million deal.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea have held talks with Lyon owner John Textor over the possibility of a deal for Cherki this summer.

However, it’s claimed that Lyon are ‘determined’ to keep their prized attacking midfielder and would demand at least £50m from Chelsea.

Cherki, who is a product of Lyon’s academy, scored four goals and registered six assists in Ligue 1 last season.

He was also one of France’s standout performers at the Under-21 European Championship this summer.

Speaking about his future last month, Cherki was unable to guarantee that he would remain at Lyon for another season.

‘We don’t know yet how it will turn out,’ Cherki said.

‘We don’t know yet which direction we’re going to take. I’m focused on next season for now.

‘For now, I just want to play a good full season, even if we know that the truth of today is not necessarily that of tomorrow.’

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