West Ham are leading the race to sign Lyon’s Rayan Cherki as they look to raise funds, according to reports.
Just a couple of seasons ago, West Ham overcame the odds and annihilated Lyon in their own backyard to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League. Since then, the Hammers have gone on to sign Lyon’s star player in Lucas Paqueta, as well as winning a major European trophy while the French side currently sit bottom of Ligue 1.
Now, the Irons look to capitalise on Olympique Lyonnaise’s need to rebuild by signing their hottest prospect, Rayan Cherki, according to TEAMtalk.
Despite only being 20 years old, Cherki has been a regular in the squad for four seasons now with his most successful campaign coming last year where he managed 10 goal involvements in 34 league games. He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or on the left and has attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan and Manchester United over the last couple of months.
Fortunately, thanks to Lyon’s dire situation, interest seems to have died down and our Irons are reportedly leading the way to his signature. Lyon had previously been asking for a ridiculously high fee for him but their desperation could see a deal struck for as little as £25 million.
However, there’s a reason that the club is willing to sell their academy graduate and that’s simply because he has not been good enough this term. He has not stepped up when his side have needed him the most resulting in him only having one assist to his name this season.
At such a young age though, he still has plenty of time to improve but it does not seem like the club who’s academy he came through is going to take him any further. We have seen time and time again Moyes’ ability to get players’ careers back on track, so maybe the East End will be the best place for him to make a move to.
The Ceiling is ridiculously high for the French midfielder but he needs a push in the right direction, as well as a change in environment, to really develop as an individual.
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