Tottenham Hotspur are giving indications that they want to win the race to land Rayan Cherki after members of the Lyon star's entourage reached out to influential figures at Hotspur Way and Premier League rivals to gauge whether they are keen to acquire his services this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Spurs raided Ligue 1 during the winter transfer window, with central defender Kevin Danso joining on an initial loan deal which includes a £20.9million obligation to buy from Lens, and boss Ange Postecoglou is threatening to return to France as he goes in search of more reinforcements before next term.
Plenty of ambition was shown ahead of the campaign getting underway, leading to Dominic Solanke becoming the most expensive acquisition in Tottenham's history in August, and chairman Daniel Levy has been playing a role in pinpointing targets despite the north Londoners preparing for their Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs Hold Discussions Over Move for Cherki
North Londoners sounded out ahead of transfer window reopening
Tottenham have a real interest in signing Cherki, according to GMS sources, and there has been new contact from the Frenchman's representatives as they want to discover before the end of the season whether a move to the Premier League would be possible when the transfer window reopens.
The winger is preparing to enter the final 12 months of a contract which allows him to pocket in excess of £65,000-per-week, leading to his entourage being eager to find out whether any suitors are prepared to head to the negotiating table and test current employers Lyon's resolve in the summer.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are not the only side being sounded out as domestic counterparts Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City have found themselves in a similar position as Cherki's agent aims to identify potential landing spots after a productive campaign.
The 21-year-old has been described as a 'future Ballon d'Or winner' thanks to his performances in a Lyon shirt and has worked his way onto Postecoglou's radar as the Greek-Australian tactician goes in search of securing additional creativity in the final third of the pitch.
Cherki has been in two minds over whether to head to the Premier League, GMS sources have learned, and he is unlikely to entertain a move to Tottenham's fellow suitors Fulham, Crystal Palace or West Ham United as he will only consider joining a side battling for regular European qualification and silverware.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Rayan Cherki made three key passes and grabbed an assist during Lyon's win over Rennes last weekend
Cherki's Game-Changing Ability Catching Eye
Admirers have discovered what it would take to reach agreement
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are admirers of Cherki's game-changing ability and, in a significant boost for Postecoglou, Manchester United's interest has started to fade even though he could be given the green-light to embark on a fresh challenge for as little as £25million.
Spurs were among the suitors to send scouts to watch the Lyon academy graduate in action earlier this month, ahead of potentially upping the ante by heading to the negotiating table, and it has become increasingly likely that he will move onto pastures new when the transfer window reopens.
Liverpool and Arsenal would be the most enticing options for Cherki, GMS sources understand, but there is scepticism over whether they will enter discussions over a switch, while Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola is in the market for an attacker matching his profile.
Postecoglou is eager to make his side more prolific, with GMS sources recently revealing that Spurs have been pinpointed as a likely destination for Victor Boniface amid uncertainty over his long-term future on the books of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, and there is determination to bring in further reinforcements.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 01/05/2025