Report: Liverpool reportedly intensify pursuit of ‘exceptional’ 21-year-old attacker

Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of highly-rated Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to Fabrice Hawkins.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a top target for the Reds, who are looking to capitalise on Lyon’s current financial difficulties.

French outlet L’Equipe first reported Liverpool’s interest in Cherki, and recent developments suggest that the Merseyside club has intensified their efforts to secure his signature.

Lyon’s precarious financial situation, which has led to a provisional relegation to Ligue 2, has forced the club to consider selling key players to alleviate their debt.

Lyon have set a €30 million asking price for Cherki, but RMC suggests that the club may accept a lower fee if the player is keen on a move to Liverpool.

Signing a player of his ilk for that amount will be a steal. Don’t be fooled by his one goal and an assist in five Ligue 1 appearances. He can open opposition defences with a deft touch and unorthodox skills.

Cherki, a product of Lyon’s youth academy, has impressed with his creativity, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring threat. Despite his young age, he has already established himself as a key player for the Ligue 1 club, featuring 152 times for Les Gones, providing 19 goals and 28 assists.

He has that final third X-factor and can develop into one of the best in his position. His former coach Laurent Blanc referred to him as an exceptional player.

He is also ambidextrous and can cover several attacking positions. Cherki can play in one of the more attacking midfield positions in Arne Slot’s 4-3-3 and off either flank.

Liverpool are famed for moving in silence in the transfer market. The Reds have signed players like Luis Diaz and Virgil Van Dijk unopposed in the middle of the season.

They should be able to get a deal for the France under-21 international over the line before potential suitors like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain wake up.