A very highly-rated forward is tempted by a move to Tottenham Hotspur behind-the-scenes following "fresh" transfer discussions, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy rumoured to be in pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer.
Tottenham set for vital Europa League final next week
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou could end the club's 17-year wait for silverware and qualify for the 2025/2026 Champions League in one fell swoop, as the Lilywhites prepare for a vital Europa League final against Man United next week.
Both sides have endured torrid Premier League campaigns, which fell miles below expectations, but the Europa League represents a chance to quite literally rescue Spurs' season from the depths of mediocrity.
Postecoglou's squad has been hit with wave after wave of injuries to key players, especially midway through 2024/2025, and this cannot be discounted, amid reports that the Australian is likely facing his final few games in charge.
As Tottenham prepare for their most important match of the season by some distance against United, the club's recruitment team are already working on reinforcing the squad for next season, regardless of who is in the dugout by that time.
Levy and technical director Johan Lange are rumoured to be targeting a new attacker or two in particular, with Tottenham intending to keep Mathys Tel beyond his loan from Bayern Munich alongside bringing in other names.
Spurs will reportedly need to err on the side of caution when it comes to expenditure, though, with reports claiming they may even need to adopt a sell to buy policy.
Luckily for Levy, a quality, in-form attacker, who looks set to be available for a very doable price, comes in the form of Lyon sensation Rayan Cherki.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed the campaign of his life with 12 goals and 19 assists. Interested clubs are able to sign Cherki for just £19 million as well, due to a bargain release clause in his contract.
Le Parisien reported earlier this week that Tottenham have made contact over signing Cherki, with GiveMeSport now following up that report with his stance on a switch to the Premier League.
Rayan Cherki tempted by Tottenham after "fresh" discussions
As per GMS, Spurs have held "fresh" discussions over signing Cherki, with the outlet backing up previous claims of an approach.
However, they add that the Frenchman has privately refused to rule out joining Tottenham behind-closed-doors, even if English champions Liverpool are his personal preference as things stand.
Despite Arne Slot's side being his ideal destination, Spurs are touted as prime contenders for Cherki and north London is seen as a very credible destination for the player, so this could be one to watch.
The attacking midfielder is gaining a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting final third prodigies, and his very astute price tag makes this potential move all the more enticing from Levy's perspective.
"He is the best natural talent I've ever seen," said ex-Arsenal defender and Lyon teammate, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, to BBC Sport.
"An absolute master, a wizard with the ball."