Barcelona have been scouring the market for some time in search of young and game-changing talent, and one of the names that most appeals to the sporting management is Rayan Cherki. The Olympique Lyon attacking midfielder is a profile Deco likes a lot. His strong ability to play between the lines, his close control dribbling, and his great vision make him a very attractive piece for any offensive project.
For months, the blaugrana scouting department have closely followed his progress. Cherki has been standing out in Ligue 1 for a while. His name hasn't gone unnoticed by the top European clubs, and his current contract situation also made him a very viable option for Barça. The player’s contract ends in June 2025, and Lyon need to sell to balance their accounts.
However, the positive reports haven't been enough; within the club, they are aware that Cherki has slipped away. Deco already considers his chances of signing him lost. The striker is very close to packing his bags and heading to the Premier League; his destination, barring a last-minute twist, will be London, with Chelsea as the favorite.
cherki on his way to London
The two clubs from the British capital are willing to reach €40 million ($43.6 million) for him. That is the amount Olympique Lyon demand to open the door, and both Chelsea and Crystal Palace are prepared to meet it. Both clubs have kept very advanced contacts with his camp and are already working on the personal terms of the contract.
At Stamford Bridge, they see him as a strong generational replacement for players like Jadon Sancho, and Chelsea want to rejuvenate their squad without losing quality in the final third. Cherki is a player who fits that philosophy, while Crystal Palace are looking for a statement signing. After Oliver Glasner’s arrival on the bench, the club want to make a strong bet on young and creative talent.
barça move away
The player’s camp highly values the prominence he could have at Selhurst Park; there, he would have more minutes, more freedom, and less pressure than at a big club like Chelsea. That variable could weigh on his final decision. At 20 years old, Cherki wants to play and keep growing, without being blocked by a squad full of stars.
At Can Barça, they regret not being able to compete financially for his signing; the Financial Fair Play situation prevents them from reaching those figures. Although Deco sees him as a market opportunity, he can't enter the bidding without compromising other priority operations. The club have other needs and can't afford luxuries.
Cherki was an option that fit both sportingly and financially, if Lyon lowered their demands. But with the Premier League involved, everything has become complicated. The interest from the English clubs has raised the price and left Barça out of the picture; at the Catalan club, they are now focusing on other profiles that are much more affordable.