Chelsea have been very active in parting ways with players this summer. Key stars like Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and several others have departed the club. Sooner or later, they will need to make some signings as well though and it looks like a long-time Real Madrid target is in their sights.
One area where they need additions particularly is their midfield. Mount, Kante, Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jorginho have left within the space of six months. The Blues are believed to be open to Conor Gallagher leaving as well.
One player who appears to have caught Chelsea’s eye recently is Rayan Cherki of Lyon. The French wonderkid has been linked with Real Madrid since when Zinedine Zidane was the manager of the club. But it looks like the Blues have moved ahead in the race to sign him.
As reported by 90min, Chelsea have reached out to Lyon to discuss a potential summer deal for Cherki. Club officials have followed the Frenchman for a while and have been very impressed with him.
Chelsea open talks to sign €40 million Real Madrid target
Cherki is just 19 years of age. He started to establish himself as a nailed on starter for Lyon in the middle of last season though.
Cherki has put in some very impressive displays for Lyon. He might have a lot of areas where he still needs to improve, but overall, the talent is clear for all to see. If he can fulfil his potential, the Frenchman might end up being a Ballon d’Or contender one day. He is that talented and it is no surprise that Real Madrid have had their eye on him for such a long time.
Chelsea have been following a similar strategy to Real Madrid following their change in ownership. Signing the brightest young talents from around the globe. Cherki would fall under that category for sure.