Fulham 'poised to break club record transfer fee' for star and add to Lyon's woes

FULHAM are reportedly planning to break their transfer record and raid Lyon for star Rayan Cherki.

The twenty-year-old attacking midfielder has risen through the training of the French team to become one of their top talents.

He broke into the first team in 2019 and has already made more than 100 appearances to his name.

France U21 international Cherki's displays have caught the attention of several clubs across Europe.

Chelsea were linked with a move for him last summer as a potential replacement for Christian Pulisic, while Manchester United and Newcastle continue to monitor his progress.

However, now the Daily email states that it is their neighbors in west London who are ready to strike.

This new report claims that Fulham have “approached Lyon” and that the Ligue 1 strugglers could decide to raise money to fund two new recruits themselves.

It says Lyon could sell him for £30 million – which would surpass the record £25 million fee Fulham paid Nice for Jean Michael Seri in 2018.

Cherki was excellent last season as he played a key role in helping his team recover from a nightmare start to finish seventh in the top flight.

But things have not improved this season as three managers have already failed to transform their dismal form.

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Lyon are facing huge financial problems, and with the club currently in the relegation zone, interim boss Pierre Sage could 'sacrifice' Cherki for £30 million to buy Orel Mangala from Nottingham Forest and Said Benrahma from West Ham.

Cherki has not scored in his 19 appearances in all competitions this season, but has provided three assists.

But Fulham appear to have seen enough of his potential to bring him to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the Cottagers are also interested in Armando Broja, but are wary of Chelsea's £5million loan fee.

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