Arsenal monitoring Lyon star Ainsley Maitland-Niles calls a “wizard with the ball”

Gidibam Web3 weeks ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal are closely monitoring Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki as the summer transfer window approaches, according to CaughtOffside. The 21-year-old French star has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Cherki is widely expected to leave Lyon this summer, with the Ligue 1 side reportedly open to offers in the region of €35 million (£30 million). With just over 12 months remaining on his contract—set to expire in June 2026—the French U21 international is seen as a valuable yet affordable option, especially considering his impressive form this season.

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Described by some as a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” Cherki has registered 12 goals and 19 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign. He currently leads the Europa League in assists with eight and caught attention during Lyon’s dramatic quarter-final clash with Manchester United, where he scored twice in the 7–6 aggregate defeat.

Arsenal- Rayan Cherki — ***Rayan Cherki (Image credit: Getty Images)***

While several clubs in Italy and Germany are circling, Cherki reportedly favours a move to the Premier League to further his development. Arsenal are believed to be one of the frontrunners, with manager Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his attacking options this summer.

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The Gunners are already in the market for a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres among the club’s top targets. Although Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has been linked, a deal for the Swedish international appears unlikely at this stage.

Cherki has also earned high praise from former Arsenal midfielder and current Lyon teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Speaking to BBC Sport, Maitland-Niles said: “He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen. An absolute master, a wizard with the ball. He’s dragging us up the pitch, creating chances, nutmegging players—he’s a genius.”