There has been a development in Liverpool's pursuit of a new playmaker, with a report revealing he is now keen on a move to the Premier League this summer.
Attacking midfielders Liverpool could sign
Manchester United's loss against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night means the 2024-25 campaign is set to be their worst of the modern era, which makes Gary Neville's previous comments about Arne Slot's midfield even more laughable.
Early in the campaign, Neville suggested the Reds would swap their Premier League title-winning midfield for United's, much to the bemusement of Jamie Carragher.
It would be interesting to find out if Neville still thinks the Red Devils' midfield is on a similar level, but one thing that is clear is that Slot is looking to add another, more attacking player to his already solid options in the engine room.
Florian Wirtz has emerged as one of the more ambitious targets, but with a total package of over £250m potentially needed to sign the German, Slot's side could opt to bring in a much cheaper alternative.
According to a report from The Boot Room, a deal for Lyon's Rayan Cherki would amount to just over £20m, and Liverpool have now received a boost in their pursuit of the attacking midfielder, as he is now believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
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Cherki has his heart set on a move to England, following talks with the Reds and a whole host of other Premier League clubs, and the low asking price could make him an attractive option.
rayan-cherki-lyon
Cherki showing serious signs of development
The Frenchman has been a first-team regular for Lyon over the course of a number of years, but the 2024-25 campaign was by far his best in terms of attacking contributions, which suggests he could now be ready for a move to a top club.
Season Ligue 1 appearances Goals Assists
2021-22 16 0 1
2022-23 34 4 6
2023-24 33 1 6
2024-25 30 8 11
The starlet ranks in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders, while he has also received plaudits from ESPN's Julien Laurens in the past.
It is clear to see why Wirtz is Liverpool's "absolute dream target", having amassed 31 goal contributions in all competitions last season, but Manchester City dropping out of the race for the 22-year-old due to his price suggests he may be unattainable, and Cherki could be a fantastic signing.