West Ham United to reignite Rayan Cherki transfer interest as Lyon fire sale mooted
West Ham have been long-term admirers of Lyon star Rayan Cherki and they may have just been handed a golden opportunity to finally secure his signature.
The Hammers were credited with interest in the 21-year-old during the summer transfer window [Get French Football News], though a move to the London Stadium never materialised.
In fact, former Irons winger Said Benrahma joined Cherki in Ligue 1, joining Lyon on a £15million deal, but both players could now be set to be sold ahead of the January transfer window.
According to RMC Sport [14 November] Lyon, owned by Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor, must provide a certain number of guarantees concerning a sum of over £83million (€100million).
The French side are in a dire situation due to debt, and a handful of players being sold has already been mooted. Considering the interest in Cherki and his potential price tag, he could be one of the first to go.
West Ham United to benefit from Lyon situation with Rayan Cherki transfer?
At just 21 years of age, Cherki already has 152 first-team appearances to his name, having come through the Lyon academy, and has notched 19 goals and 28 assists in that time.
He could follow in similar footsteps to Lucas Paqueta, who has been a hero at the London Stadium since arriving in the summer of 2022, but his form has dropped significantly in recent weeks.
Julen Lopetegui will be desperate to add another creative force to his squad in the January window, and Cherki, previously labelled “unbelievable” by Frank Leboeuf [Metro], could be an option.
Given the current state of Lyon, the player could be available on a cut-price deal, even though they are desperate to raise funds to avoid any financial punishments.
The 21-year-old could provide the Hammers with a whole new attacking outlet, which looks to be a rather important purchase after a difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui will be thrilled that Lee Carsley has missed a trick with a Hammers ace.
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