Chelsea are plotting an audacious swoop to sign Manchester City attacker Rayan Cherki in 2027, according to Fichajes.
Cherki is one of the most exciting players, not just in the Premier League but across Europe. The youngster had already earned a reputation for his trickery while on the books of Lyon, where he spent his whole career before moving to City in the summer of 2025.
Since his arrival, the 23-year-old has provided 33 goal contributions, with 25 of those coming in his first full season with the Cityzens, where they clinched the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He was also included in the PFA team of the year after an incredible individual campaign.
In the ongoing campaign, Cherki has been in incredible form for both club and country, providing six goal contributions in eight games for City while netting and assisting once in four UEFA Nations League games for France.
Such a high level of attacking productivity will undoubtedly put him on the radar of several top clubs, with Fichajes reporting that Chelsea are plotting an ambitious swoop to sign Cherki from City in 2027.
The report adds that the Blues hierarchy are looking to fulfil Xabi Alonso’s wish of pairing the 23-year-old with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro in a blockbuster attacking setup.
Cherki to Chelsea
Chelsea believe the French international’s versatility to play in different positions will improve the team’s ball progression against opponents in a low block, with Alonso planning to deploy him in a deeper playmaking role similar to how Zinedine Zidane uses him in the national team, according to the report.
Having recouped significant funds from player sales, the Spanish outlet adds that the London giants are in a good position to spend without breaching Financial Fair Play regulations and are now accessing the potential finances to be involved in the deal, which is expected to be around his £76m valuation.
Should City make Cherki available for transfer amid their ongoing financial probe, Chelsea are set to open talks with his camp from January in a bid to trump other interested clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool to land him, Fichajes adds.
Chelsea’s attack have been on a rampage this season under Alonso. The positioning of Palmer and Rogers behind Joao Pedro has seen the Blues net over 15 goals already in all competitions, and adding Cherki will only enhance that output.
However, considering the Blues’ poor defensive record this season, playing Cherki deeper raises concerns about the team’s off-ball structure, especially after conceding over 20 goals already this season.
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