‘Just ahead’: Chelsea still want to sign £30m forward, he is above Bradley Barcola on the list

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Chelsea want to sign Rayan Cherki ahead of his Lyon teammate Bradley Barcola before transfer deadline day.

That is according to Dean Jones – who was speaking on The Football Terrace.

So, what was said about Chelsea targets Rayan Cherki and Bradley Barcola? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, this update comes as something of a surprise.

Links to Cherki have died down somewhat in recent weeks, with much of the focus currently on Barcola.

A story from Foot Mercato claimed that Chelsea were stepping up a move for the 20-year-old after missing out on Michael Olise.

That came after a number of sources – including Football London – claimed that Cherki is a target for Chelsea. 90min add that the Blues even think a deal could be done for just £30m.

Now – according to Jones – Chelsea want to sign the Lyon No.18 more than they do Barcola.

The respected journalist said: “Rayan Cherki is the one that keeps coming back to me and has done for two months now – it’s one that I think is plausible. I have him just ahead of (Bradley) Barcola (on the list), who Chelsea are also looking at.”

Regardless of who Chelsea end up signing out of Cherki and Barcola, Mauricio Pochettino would be getting his hands on a special talent either way.

Chelsea right to want Cherki over Barcola

In our view, Chelsea are right to be prioritising Cherki over his Lyon teammate.

Chelsea need an injection of mercurial quality, much like Eden Hazard brought to west London from Lille back in 2012.

Cherki – with his immense close control and diminutive stature – seems to be more capable of providing this for Pochettino than Barcola, who is more of a powerful, direct brute of a forward.

The Lyon No.26 is still a tremendous dribbler and also a highly creative footballer – don’t get us wrong – although Cherki represents a type of player Chelsea do not own in any sense right now.

In regards to Barcola, Chelsea do have some players who could be likened to him, such as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea seem like they will be pushing hard to sign a creative attacker before transfer deadline day next Friday (September 1st).