Rayan Cherki is preparing to turn the page on his journey with Olympique Lyon. After several years with the team, the attacking midfielder has announced that he won’t be donning the OL jersey in the future. Cherki wrapped up his campaign with an impressive tally of 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances, signalling that he feels ready for a new challenge—competing for trophies and participating in the Champions League, opportunities Lyon is currently unable to offer.
Amid financial difficulties, including debt issues and the threat of exclusion from European competitions, Lyon finds itself in a position where offers for its key players must be carefully considered. For Cherki, an additional factor comes into play: a special clause in his contract, which was extended until 2026. This agreement allows for a summer transfer at a fixed fee of 22.5 million euros, instantly making him one of the most sought-after figures in the market.
Atalanta has been monitoring Cherki’s progress for quite some time, as the French talent perfectly fits the profile of a creative player highly valued by the Bergamo side. Additionally, AC Milan, leveraging Geoffrey Moncada’s expertise in the French market, has also expressed interest in bringing Cherki to their squad.
Moreover, Cherki has attracted attention from Borussia Dortmund and several Premier League clubs. Previously, there were speculations linking him to Paris Saint-Germain, though this now appears to be off the table.