West Ham United transfer news emerges amid Chelsea and Newcastle Rayan Cherki twist
Chelsea and Newcastle scouted Rayan Cherki, who has been linked with West Ham, last weekend in the Lille v Lyon clash on Saturday, according to TBR.
The news outlet reported on 4 November that the 21-year-old attacking midfielder was linked with a move to the London Stadium over the summer, but the deal never materialised.
The Frenchman is enjoying a scintillating campaign at Lyon, having already contributed to two goals and three assists and is understood to be available in January.
West Ham have lost their chance to sign Rayan Cherki
The Hammers’ opportunity to sign Cherki may have slipped away, particularly given the interest now from wealthier clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle, who offer not only financial allure but also potentially the prospect of European football.
Cherki, at the age of 21 and in the midst of an impressive season with Lyon, is likely to be enticed by clubs that provide immediate Champions League or Europa League exposure, which could significantly enhance his career trajectory.
Chelsea and Newcastle, with their substantial resources and big aspirations, present a more compelling case for a young talent looking to make a big leap in his career.
West Ham’s appeal, despite their interest, might not match the promise of regular European nights and the developmental platform these other clubs can offer, making a move to London Stadium less likely for Cherki at this juncture.
The Hammers also look pretty stacked in the final third, given their outlay on signings over the summer so it’s time for Julen Lopetegui to get the best out of them rather than sign more attacking players.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sell an international player in January and have already identified a replacement for him.
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