‘I’m Ready’ – £34m Liverpool Transfer Target Responds to Links and Discusses Potential Fit in Arne Slot’s System
Liverpool are reportedly stepping up efforts to secure the services of a player who recorded 32 goal contributions during the previous campaign.
French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, widely regarded as one of Ligue 1’s top young talents, appears likely to depart Lyon in the coming transfer window. Liverpool are said to be among the clubs most interested in landing the 20-year-old.
The Merseysiders have begun the summer strongly, having completed a deal for Jeremie Frimpong as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Talks are also believed to be progressing positively with regard to Florain Wirtz, who could arrive for a club-record fee in the region of £109 million. Additionally, efforts continue to bring in Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
Reports also suggest Liverpool are aiming to bolster their attacking options further, with Cherki drawing strong interest from Arne Slot and the club’s recruitment staff following a series of impressive displays in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League.
Liverpool Plan Swoop for Rayan Cherki
This summer is anticipated to usher in a fresh chapter at Liverpool, serving as the first significant opportunity for Arne Slot to demonstrate his capabilities in the transfer market.
Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been heavily linked with Rayan Cherki, a versatile forward regarded as a dynamic and creative talent who could inject flair and unpredictability into either squad.
The 21-year-old has set his sights on representing France at the World Cup next year, having already made 23 appearances for the country’s Under-21 side, in addition to eight appearances during the Olympic Games held in Paris last summer.
Cherki has been part of Lyon’s setup since 2010 and made his senior debut at the age of 16 in 2020, the same year the French club reached the Champions League semi-finals.
It was the most recent season that truly elevated his reputation, with Cherki registering 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
His standout performances included a goal and assist against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals. With just a year remaining on his current contract, he is reportedly available for around £35 million, according to Mail Sport.
Rayan Cherki Drops Transfer Hint Amid New Challenge Claim
Rayan Cherki has received his first-ever call-up to the senior France national team and is aiming to make a strong impact in the upcoming UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Spain.
During a recent interview with L’Équipe, the young forward was asked about his future amid growing transfer speculation. Reporters also questioned him on the contrasting playing styles of Manchester City and Liverpool, and whether he sees himself fitting into either setup.
He responded: “I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready. Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer.”
Asked if he’s entirely sure about leaving Lyon this summer, he added: “You’re never sure of anything. But I’ll say it: I did what I wanted to do at OL, be a true Lyonnais and give everything for my club. I didn’t leave the ship in difficulty. I stayed, I gritted my teeth.
“I cried, I laughed, I was scared. But a man has to be like that, it’s part of his DNA. Even when it’s hard, even when you cry, even when you’re scared, you have to go to war for your club.”
Cherki’s future remains uncertain, but it is becoming more likely that he will depart the Groupama Stadium this summer.
In other news, Bayer Leverkusen Make Transfer Announcement Amid Liverpool £125m Talks as Impact Clear
