By 90min | Created at 2024-11-20 16:47:35 | Updated at 2024-11-23 08:24:23
2 days ago
Lyon are set to demand around €30m (£25m) to part ways with midfielder Rayan Cherki amid links to both Liverpool and Chelsea.
After Lyon's financial woes saw them provisionally relegated at the end of the season, Liverpool were quickly linked with a cut-price move for 21-year-old Cherki, before reports claimed Chelsea had also reignited their interest in the French youngster.
Cherki had been close to a €15m (£12.5m) move to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer, but club president John Textor recently warned suitors of the midfielder that he is no longer available for such a low price even with Lyon facing the threat of enforced relegation.
Indeed, Foot Mercato state Lyon are eyeing at least €30m to sell Cherki in January, with some club sources even holding out for a higher €35m (£29.2m).
Lyon are well aware of the need to sell players but are facing the unusual dilemma of trying to avoid being forcibly relegated while also battling to secure a spot in next season's Champions League - a result which would undoubtedly aid their financial battle.
Club officials do not want to sell Cherki - or any player - for cheap, although it could be argued that £25m for a highly rated 21-year-old still represents a real bargain for any wealthy sides.
Alongside both Liverpool and Chelsea, Cherki has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, while PSG are also believed to retain their interest in the France Under-21 international.
