Arsenal may want to take note of what Fabrizio Romano and Patrick Berger have mentioned Rayyan Sharqi is available for a bargain fee.
There is some slight difference in the details reported by the two journalists, but the general thrust of the story is that a quality attacking player could be a great option for clubs to consider if they want to bolster their attacking line without spending a fortune.
Arsenal certainly fall into that category at the moment amid their injury crisis in attack, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus sidelined long-term.
Chergui has scored five goals and seven assists in all competitions for Lyon this season, and has long been viewed as a great natural talent with plenty of flair and ability.
According to Berger, he is available for €22m in the summer, while Romano says the fee is €22.5m and also an option next January…
? except. Rayan Cherki (21) could leave Olympique Lyonnais this summer for a transfer fee of around €22m. There is a confidential verbal agreement (exit option) between the player and the French club, concluded during the last extension of his contract in September. ??
An eastern contract applies… pic.twitter.com/bqHc8W8cPs
– Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) January 19, 2025
???? Rayan Cherki has a verbal agreement with OL for a January exit for €22.5m.
It is a verbal agreement with the player, not an official release clause but the same value @berger_pj I mentioned.
There are many clubs interested in the Cherokee. pic.twitter.com/3DEoWVnpQl
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
Sharqi hasn't always been the most consistent performer, but for this kind of price, Arsenal certainly need to consider this a gamble worth taking.
The Gunners have really struggled in the final third this season, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard not at their best, leaving Mikel Arteta's side overly reliant on Saka, who will not return until later this season.
Rayan Chergui transfer: Could the Lyon star end up at Arsenal?
At the moment, there is no indication that Arsenal are interested in Shirkey, but it seems like an obvious opportunity for the north Londoners to explore.
Maybe the AFC will end up signing someone else, but it's not easy to complete big deals in the middle of the season, so this might be the best option in the end.
There have been question marks every now and then about Sharqi's behavior and professionalism, but he is still only 21 years old, so he may mature in the coming years and benefit from his immense natural ability.
