Lyon
Lyon winger Rayan Cherki is currently garnering interest from some of the biggest Premier League clubs – namely Manchester United, Spurs, Arsenal and Aston Villa, according to Graeme Bailey of TBR.
All these top English sides have already started drawing up their wish list for the upcoming summer transfer window and 21-year-old Cherki is someone who’s peaked the interest of all. His contract with Lyon runs until 2026 but the Ligue 1 side are ready to cash in on him at the end of this season for a transfer fee of around €30 million.
Who is Rayan Cherki?
Cherki, 21, has come up through the ranks at Lyon and he made his senior debut in January of 2020. Since then, he’s played 176 games for the club, scoring 25 and assisting 42 goals in all competitions.
TBR Football can reveal that Rayan Cherki is now re-emerging as a player of huge interest to a number of Premier League clubs.
Cherki's stock is back on the rise and Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also checking on him.https://t.co/9IarhNEyXR
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) April 1, 2025
This season, he’s made 15 goal contributions in 23 league appearances for the club with an xG and xA of 4.22 and 9.35 respectively. The youngster is primarily a right-winger but is also capable playing as an attacking midfielder and on a few occasions he’s also played on the left-hand side.
Cherki’s flair on the ball and his ability to get past defenders with ease is the highlight of his game and even at such a young age, he’s showing great maturity.
Is this the first time he’s wanted by EPL clubs?
This isn’t the first time Rayan Cherki is being linked with a move to the Premier League because some time ago, Chelsea and Spurs had the chance to sign him. The two London clubs, however, backed off because there were serious question marks over his commitment and personality.
Thankfully, the 21-year-old has since turned things around and this season, he’s been one of the best players for Lyon. His change in attitude and performances have piqued the interest of several top English sides and this summer an exit from Ligue 1 is very much on the cards.
Which club is the winger most likely to join?
The €30 million price tag makes Rayan Cherki a very lucrative target for all the interested clubs but honestly speaking, we do not see him playing for a top side.
A move to Arsenal is off the cards because Mikel Arteta has Bukayo Saka so there’s no need for him to spend money on another right-winger. Arteta, primarily wants to sign two new strikers and if he has money left, the manager will ask his new transfer chief to sign a left-winger.
Man United will sell Antony in the summer so they need to bring in a right-winger. But, we have a feeling Ruben Amorim wants to use Amad Diallo in that role and spend most of his transfer budget to sign a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund.
Spurs and Aston Villa seem to be feasible destinations for Rayan Cherki and neither of these clubs will mind spending €30 million on the 21-year-old. If Aston Villa can retain their Champions League status they will certainly be one of the favourites to sign the Lyon winger.