Tottenham have made contact with Olympique Lyonnais about signing playmaker Rayan Cherki this summer, according to Le Parisien.
The Lilywhites have had their worst domestic campaign of this century and currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League with 20 defeats from their 36 games this season, but have also reached the Europa League final and have the opportunity to end their 17-year trophy drought while also claiming Champions League football for next season.
But work is already underway to bolster the squad for next season regardless of what competitions they are playing in, and the club have made their move to bring in the 21-year-old sensation.
Player has agreement to leave Lyon
With some question marks over the future of captain Heung-Min Son, as well as the futures of attackers Timo Werner, Richarlison and Mathys Tel being up in the air, it's clear that the attacking department is likely to be strengthened.
According to reports in France, the north London club are one of several who have made contact to bring in Cherki this summer after it emerged that there is an agreement for him to leave the Ligue 1 side on the cheap.
Cherki, who has been described as a "future Ballon d'Or winner" by The Athletic's Alex Barker, signed a new contract with Lyon last summer and has gone on to have the best season of his career with 12 goals and 19 assists in all competitions. However, part of the agreement for him to sign a new deal was that he would be allowed to leave on the cheap this summer, with a fee of just £19m mooted.
While Lyon are in dire need of extra finances to avoid a relegation to Ligue 2, they are unable to demand more money for their star man as it's stated that if they don't honour the agreement they would be subject to further financial penalties.
Tottenham could now look to take advantage of that by bringing him in, but they will have to hope to beat off competition from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and clubs in the Bundesliga.
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