Chelsea risk Moises Caicedo transfer replay in Rayan Cherki deal talks

Chelsea are keen to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon this summer as the West London club continue their hunt for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo

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Chelsea have stepped up their search for Lyon forward Rayan Cherki in recent days, with the Blues speaking to the Frenchman’s entourage about a potential deal to see him move to Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old caught the attention of Chelsea last season after the club initially sent scouts to watch Malo Gusto and his development after signing the right-back in January. The Blues are looking for an attacking midfielder to add to their ranks following the departure of Mason Mount and Cherki has been identified as their priority in taking up that position.

Chelsea are considering making a bid for Lyon after positive talks with Cherki’s representatives last week. The Blues initially contacted the French Under-21 international camp to assess whether a deal would be possible and whether the playmaker would be happy to move to Stamford Bridge.

Now it’s up to Chelsea to try and agree a price with Lyon for their prized signing. Sources told football.london that the French club, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season, are determined to keep the Frenchman for at least another year, with a contract until 2025. But above all, Lyon did not say that he was not for sale. This suggests that Chelsea would be able to negotiate a deal. Lyon are reportedly considering appealing the DNCG’s (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion) decision to monitor their transfer activity this summer, which means they could be forced to sell some of their star players.

Chelsea and Lyon have a solid working relationship. The Blues re-signed Gusto in the January transfer window and agreed a compromise with the French club to send him back there on loan for the rest of the season. Chelsea’s recruiting team of Paul Winstanley, Christopher Viwell, Joe Shields and others are hoping negotiations are easier than they saw with Moises Caicedo this summer. Chelsea have been in talks with Brighton for some time (generally as talks have recently reopened) about a deal to sign the Ecuador national team for a large sum.