Crystal Palace are noticeably lacking a balanced attack following the departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.
Sunday’s 2-1 defeat against Brentford saw Daichi Kamada take the France U23 international’s position on the right of Oliver Glasner’s frontline, alongside Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Unfortunately, despite flashes of quality from the Japan international, a right-footed option in that area does not seem to bring as much balance to the team as a left-footer cutting inside did.
Now – however – Dougie Freedman could be about to amend this imbalance at Crystal Palace…
Crystal Palace want Rayan Cherki
A story from L’Equipe now states that Crystal Palace are keen to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon.
The French news outlet explain that Lyon, who are owned by Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor, have made the France U23 international train alone as they aim to ensure he avoids an injury which would scupper any potential exit.
Lyon have also banished Dejan Lovren, Sinaly Diomande, Paul Akouokou, Florent Sanchez and Amin Sarr as David Friio – Director of Football for the French giants – desperately attempts to make sales and raise some much needed cash.
L’Equipe believe Fulham are also interested in Cherki, although the Lyon No.18 is currently not convinced by a move to the Premier League.
It is said that the 21-year-old had a €15m (£13m) move to PSG lined up at the end of June, to which the attacking midfielder had personally given the green light to, although the Parisians then withdrew.
L’Equipe state that Cherki was then offered to Borussia Dortmund, although the German giants never made a bid.
For those wondering whether Textor’s involvement in both clubs could swing things in our favour, the American is actually looking to sell his 45% stake in Crystal Palace, so this detail seems unlikely to benefit us.
Perfect Michael Olise replacement
Cherki appears to be the ideal replacement for Olise.
As aforesaid, a left-footed winger who cuts inside from the right is badly needed at Selhurst Park, and the Lyon-born wonderkid is exactly that, as well as being an exceptionally gifted attacker.
Impressively – like Andros Townsend also used to do at Selhurst Park – Cherki has even been seen taking corners with his right foot, so he is about as ambidextrous as they come.
A story from The Athletic even opined that Cherki could end up being the best talent Lyon have ever produced, which speaks volumes when you consider the French giants churned the likes of Karim Benzema, Hatem Ben Arfa, Alexandre Lacazette and Fleury Di Nallo out of their academy.
Interestingly – when Chelsea missed out on Olise in the summer of 2023 – Football London wrote that Cherki would be the ideal alternative, which is particularly intriguing given Crystal Palace’s current dilemma.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Lyon attempt to sell the Olympic silver medalist before the transfer window shuts on Friday 30th August.
