PSG make €18m bid for Ligue 1 star, see him as potential replacement for Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe - Reports
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly submitted an offer for Olympique Lyonnais forward Rayan Cherki, who they believe can replace Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe. Les Parisiens are in the market for attacking reinforcements as they enter a new era without their superstar attacker.
France international Mbappe has agreed a deal with Spanish giants Real Madrid, and will move to the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent later this summer. The forward ends a seven-year association with Les Parisiens, leaving them with a significant vacuum in their squad.
PSG intend to adopt a youth-centric approach to recruitment, and have identified Olympique Lyonnais' Rayan Cherki as a suitable addition. According to L'Equipe, the French champions have submitted an initial €18 million bid for the 20-year-old France U-21 international.
Cherki has long been touted as a boy-wonder in French football, but has not yet reached his full potential. PSG want him to replace Kylian Mbappe in their squad, and the switch has been green-lit by manager Luis Enrique, who has spoken personally with Cherki, according to reports.
Rayan Cherki is far from the goal-scoring machine Mbappe is, having contributed just three goals and nine assists in 39 appearances for his side last season. Mbappe scored 44 goals and provided 10 assists for Les Parisiens in his final season at the club, rubber-stamping his legacy as their record goalscorer.
PSG are expected to secure a cut-price deal for Cherki, who has just one year left on his contract at the Groupama Stadium. Olympique Lyonnais are set to offer an extension until 2028, but the interest from PSG means he could move this summer.
France receive boost as Kylian Mbappe returns to contention for Netherlands game
France have received a significant boost as captain Kylian Mbappe is in contention to face Netherlands in their second Euro 2024 group game. The Real Madrid-bound forward was expected to miss the game after suffering a broken nose but is now back in training ahead of the match.
Mbappe left the Austria game bloodied after a collision with Kevin Danso left him with a broken nose, and he was initially ruled out of France's second group game. He has now been fitted with a face mask for use in games, and manager Didier Deschamps has spoken to Eurosport about Mbappe's prospective return. Deschamps said:
"It’s moving in the right direction to ensure that he can be available on Friday. We’ll make sure he’s available, I repeat.”
Having Kylian Mbappe available for the Netherlands game will be a huge boost for Les Bleus, who are among the favorites for the title.