Newcastle United have been told one of their long-term transfer targets could finally leave his club this summer.
The Magpies are eager to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window to help them in their European campaign next season, but it is still up in the air as regards whether they will be in the Champions League or not.
Wins for Chelsea and Aston Villa on Friday night meant that Eddie Howe’s side are under pressure to pick up a positive result against Arsenal on Sunday, which is essential to effectively secure Champions League qualification.
Newcastle United are set for a busy summer, with sporting director Paul Mitchell to be handed a £150m transfer kitty to bring in quality players who can push the club to the next level.
After an impressive season, Newcastle want Bryan Mbeumo, who is believed to cost around £60m from Brentford. While it is a fee the club can afford, it may not be one Mitchell is willing to spend on one player.
As top transfer targets are finalised, a talented winger who has been on Newcastle’s radar for years has hinted that his extended stay at his current club is coming to an end.
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Rayan Cherki hints at Lyon exit amid Newcastle United links
Lyon winger Rayan Cherki has been on the Magpies’ radar since 2023. The 21-year-old impressed in the early stages of his career, earning caps for a competitive France under-21s squad.
In January, it was revealed that Cherki had a secret £19m clause in his contract, and Newcastle were interested in matching it. However, PSR issues constrained Newcastle from making any deals.
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Cherki nearly snubbed Newcastle for Borussia Dortmund, but the deal fell through on deadline day, and he remained at Lyon.
Now, Cherki has commented on his future and hinted that he could be playing his football elsewhere next season.
Rayan Cherki 2024/25 Ligue 1 Stats
Appearances 29
Goals 8
Assists 10
“I don’t know. In any case, I know that I gave everything for the club. I did everything I could for Lyon,” he told Metro.
“This is a club that I will never forget and that will always remain in my heart. I stayed when many players left.”
Cherki’s great form this season means Newcastle are not the only club after his signature. As well as teams in Germany, there are believed to be ‘several’ English clubs interested in Cherki, who has been referred to as a ‘future Ballon d’Or winner’ by the Athletic.
Rayan Cherki’s preferred club as Newcastle United consider move
While the Magpies have a historical interest in the French talent, Howe could be reluctant to sign Cherki due to reservations over whether he would fit into the squad.
Cherki is versatile, able to play as a winger or a No. 10. Howe could utilise him on the right side of attack if he joined.
2022-23 has been, by far, Rayan Cherki's best season yet – and he's STILL only 19! 😵
This may be bold, but I think he's a future Ballon D'or winner 🏆🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/klW2IUqv0D
— Alex (@AlexanderBrkr) April 26, 2023
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However, recent reports have claimed that Cherki wants to join Liverpool this summer after their successful Premier League campaign which saw them comfortably win the title ahead of Arsenal.
Cherki has been offered to several clubs in England, including Tottenham and Manchester United.