Chelsea handed MAJOR boost as target edges closer to Stamford Bridge in FIRESALE
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 30 Jul 2023 09:24 BST
- 3 min read
Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyonnais are set for a fire-sale this summer after being handed sanctions by the French Football Federation (FFF).
At the start of July, the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (National Management Control Department) decided to intervene at Lyon and oversee its recruitment and its payroll.
The club have appealed this decision, but it’s been upheld by the FFF, meaning they have been forced to offload several stars so far this window.
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In total, 11 players have left on permanent deals, plus Malo Gusto has returned to Chelsea after his loan, with Lyon generating €29 million from sales since the summer transfer window opened.
However, they could be set for more departures, according to Foot Mercato. The report states the club are determined to keep hold of Bradley Barcola and Castello Lukeba (both 20), despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain in the former and RB Leipzig in the latter.
But, Rayan Cherki appears to be a player who could leave Lyon this summer, opening the door for Chelsea, who have the Frenchman on their radar.
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Cherki to Chelsea?
Lyon’s need to sell plays into Chelsea’s hands in their hopes of landing Cherki, although some reports suggest the Blues are wary of pursuing the 19-year-old amid concerns over his work-rate and how he’d fit in at Stamford Bridge.
Mohammed Kudus is also being targeted, as is Michael Olise, while Angelo Gabriel, Diego Moreira and Christopher Nkunku have all joined this summer already.
However, Lyon’s financial situation means Cherki could be on the market for a reduced fee. His current contract at the club runs until 2025 after signing an extension earlier this year, but Lyon will be aware this may be the final window they’re able to generate a large fee for their talented star.
Cherki scored four goals and provided six assists in the league last season as Lyon finished seventh in Ligue 1.
