Rayan Cherki was been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in January but a deal failed to materialise after an 'insulting' offer was submitted
Cherki, who sees his contract at the Groupama Stadium expire in 2025, featured 34 times for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 last season, directly contributing towards 10 goals. The France Under-21 international has quickly established himself as a key component in Laurent Blanc's starting lineup and his impressive performances have courted the interest of Chelsea.
In fact, according to the Daily Mail, the French outfit are in a difficult financial position and they would be more willing to sell the teenage sensation abroad rather than strengthen a Ligue 1 rival. In January, the Lyon president publicly slammed Paris Saint-Germain for making an 'insulting' offer for Cherki.
In an interview with French outlet RMC Sport, Jean-Michel Aulas said: "I had a long time with Nasser [al-Khelaifi], who called me on Saturday evening, to find out whether or not we were in negotiations for Rayan Cherki.
"I told him no, and Nasser told me, 'okay, it's over', and he added that PSG would therefore not make a new offer. I thank him for this direct and sincere contact. We did not enter into negotiations, but the level of the offer was insulting."
While Cherki may be seen as an attractive acquisition, Chelsea have been warned that he could become the 'next Hatem Ben Arfa'. Speaking to ESPN, Frank Leboeuf said: "Rayan Cherki is… you know Hatem Ben Arfa who played for Newcastle and for Nice, Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Lyon, skilful-wise one of the best players already on earth, 20 years old unbelievable.
"The guy can do everything and for a left-footed [player], has a right foot which is incredible. But still has to improve and he’s young, with like Hatem – when he has to get rid of the ball, when he has to give the ball is either half a second too early or half a second too late.
"It’s a real rhythm that he has to get, that’s what football is about for me. I have no doubt that he is going to improve, Laurent Blanc gave him a full season last year with Lyon in Ligue 1. But only scored five goals with six assists playing on the right side, coming in from his left foot, he should have been better and I think he is going to be better.
"I think it’s a good investment, but sorry again I am not sure that’s the kind of player Chelsea need right now. They need experienced players. They don’t need future, they need the present."