Club are determined not to sell their ‘spectacular’ £43m player to Chelsea this summer

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Lyon are determined not to sell Rayan Cherki to Chelsea this summer – although Mauricio Pochettino is about to bid anyway.

That is according to Ed Aarons of the Guardian.

So, what is the latest on Rayan Cherki and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to ESPN – Chelsea are now preparing to make an opening offer for the French wonderkid, who was once described as a “spectacular” player by L’Equipe.

It comes after a story from TEAMtalk claimed that Cherki himself is very keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, and is pushing Lyon to let him join the Blues.

Now – however – it sounds as if Lyon plan to make life difficult for Chelsea in this particular transfer battle.

Aarons believes Chelsea are showing strong interest in the 19-year-old sensation, although Lyon are determined to fend off others and keep their precocious teenager in France.

Cherki has made his way onto Chelsea’s radar after scoring five goals and providing six assists in 39 appearances last season, while also impressing at the Under-21 European Championships.

Chelsea have Cherki lifeline

In truth, Lyon may not be able to keep Cherki if Chelsea bid close to the £43m asking price – which is what But Football Club believe the French giants want.

The Ligue 1 side are currently embroiled in a bit of trouble, and were recently sanctioned by DNCG – French football’s financial watchdog – due to ‘apparent irregularities’ in their budgets, as reported by Goal.

A separate story from L’Equipe claimed that Lyon need to raise €60m (£51m) in player sales to ease the situation, so Chelsea could have a decent chance at signing Cherki if the Blues offer a large sum in the region of £40m.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen this summer.