Replacing to everyone's surprise against Montpellier on Saturday, Rayan Cherki is still the subject of multiple rumors about his future. Atalanta Bergamo's interest is confirmed and discussions are underway.
Strong man of Olympique Lyonnais during the first part of the season, Rayan Cherki was impatiently awaited by the supporters of the Rhone club for the first of the year 2025 this Saturday against Montpellier. Pierre Sage, however, spoiled the party by depriving himself of the French international hopefuls in his starting XI against all expectations. On the bench at kick-off, Rayan Cherki entered on the hour mark without really making an impression. A timid and tense start to the year for the OL attacking midfielder, whose future is still under debate.
Under contract with his training club until June 2026, he will not be selected in the event of a very good offer next summer so as not to risk leaving for zero euros a year later. A situation that Atalanta Bergamo wants to take advantage of, as the journalist reveals Nicolo Schira this weekend. The specialist in the Italian transfer window affirms that the club coached by Gian Piero Gasperini is very keen on the idea of recruiting Rayan Cherki and the file must be taken seriously because the “discussions are open” between the different parties to try to find an agreement.
Discussions underway for Cherki at Atalanta?
A credible track when you know Gasperini's philosophy, totally compatible with Rayan Cherki's style of play. The financial difficulties of OL and the pressure put by the DNCG will not help the Rhone club to negotiate this transfer from a position of strength even if a priori, there is no question for John Textor of accepting a departure of its 21-year-old playmaker for less than 30 million euros. Will the Bergamo club be ready to spend such a sum to bring in Rayan Cherki? Doubt is allowed because in its history, Atalanta has never reached 30 million euros for a transfer. His record currently stands at 29 million euros for El-Bilal Touré, for whom Atalanta broke the bank to recruit him to Almeria.
