Tottenham are navigating the closing days of the January transfer window amidst a challenging injury crisis that has severely impacted their options.
With time running out, the Lilywhites have reportedly been presented with the opportunity to sign Lyon’s highly-regarded attacking midfielder, Rayan Cherki.
The North London club have previously enquired about him and now, according to football insider Dean Jones, Cherki has been offered to multiple clubs, including Tottenham and Newcastle United. The 21-year-old French talent, who is in the final 18 months of his contract with Lyon, currently holds a market valuation of €30 million.
Despite his obvious promise, Jones suggested that some teams may hesitate due to concerns about his personality fit and readiness for a transition to a different league.
Speaking on the Ranks FC Podcast, Dean Jones said (quotes via TBR):
“I want to talk about Rayan Cherki at Lyon. This guy is being touted around everywhere.
“20 million pounds seems like a very, very low fee for a player who has been this creative this season.
“Yeah, I think there’s a reason that nobody’s bitten on it yet. There’s been a lot of talk about his personality fit for a lot of teams, potentially whether he has the right attitude and application to make the step. I’m not sure that Lyon are as in a desperate financial state now as people were expecting them.
“But I think it’s from a Cherki’s representative’s perspective that we’re seeing this one pushed at the moment.
“Spurs and Newcastle are two of the clubs that are being offered him. I’m not convinced that either of them are sure about this one.
“Neither of them play with the number 10, or at least a very, very obvious number 10. And Rayan Cherki is very much a number 10.
“Yeah. I think there’s obvious reasons for Tottenham to steer clear of this one right now. I think.”
Rayan Cherki is attracting interest after impressive performances
Cherki, a standout product of Lyon’s prestigious youth academy, is considered one of their most gifted prospects. Since making his senior debut in 2019, he has earned a reputation as a creative playmaker. His contributions in European competitions, including setting the record as the youngest player to appear in a UEFA Champions League semi-final, underscore his potential.
So far this season, he has made 24 appearances across all competitions, recording five goals and eight assists, taking his overall club tally to 22 goals and 33 assists in 165 assists.
Cherki’s versatility is one of his standout attributes, allowing him to operate effectively on either flank or as an attacking midfielder. For Spurs, grappling with a depleted frontline, his addition could provide an immediate solution while also serving as a long-term investment given his high ceiling.
Despite his considerable talent and links to top European clubs, it remains uncertain whether Tottenham will proceed with the deal. Cherki’s signing could represent a decisive move to address the team’s current issues which have seen multiple forwards sidelined.
As the transfer window approaches its final moments, Tottenham supporters will be eager to see whether the club makes a late move to secure this exciting French playmaker.