The dazzling £15m attacking midfielder who could take Arsenal's threat to next level - if they act fast

Rayan Cherki will turn 21-years-old this month, and it’s highly likely that not only will his age change, but his club could change too, with several top teams interested in signing him this summer.

The Olympique Lyon attacking midfielder has been tipped to leave the Groupama Stadium, but his destination remains unknown with many suitors in the mix.

French Ligue 1 champions PSG are reportedly interested, as well as Borussia Dortmund, who showed interest last summer before making it all the way to the Champions League final, where they fell short to Real Madrid. RB Leipzig are also trying to sign the French U21 international to replace Euro winner Dani Olmo, who has joined Barcelona. Get French Football News has reported that the creative midfielder is learning English, which suggests that a move to the English Premier League is something that greatly appeals to him.

Quality has never been in question when discussing Cherki, but concerns about his fitness have lingered. However, these issues have improved over the last two seasons, during which he’s made over 60 appearances for Lyon. With his fitness concerns behind him, he is ripe for a move to the demanding Premier League, where he could fit into several clubs in the upper half of the table.

This brings in Arsenal, who are exactly the kind of side who should be all over him. He’s the kind of player Mikel Arteta would love to have, as he possesses attributes similar to those the Spanish manager had during his playing days. Cherki could be the ideal substitute for captain Martin Ødegaard in the number 10 position and also put in a good shift on the right wing when Bukayo Saka needs rest.

Arsenal have a rich history with French talents, something they can rely on in a sport where superstition or luck holds some weight. The Gunners are competing against an almost invincible Manchester City side, who have depth in all departments, so they can’t afford to start the season without a contingency plan for a key player like Ødegaard. Since joining from Madrid, Ødegaard has been sensational, but this is football, and anything is possible.

Of course, there is Fábio Vieira, but the midfielder missed 20 games through injury last season. The Portuguese didn’t feature in last Sunday’s Emirates Cup victory over Lyon due to a reported minor injury.

This should signal to Mikel Arteta that he can’t pin his hopes on Vieira as the sole substitute for his creative captain Martin Ødegaard. When Borussia Dortmund was pursuing Rayan Cherki, the reported transfer fee circulating in the media was £15million. Although Arsenal do not have a huge war chest, £15 million for Rayan Cherki—a talent with a high ceiling—should be a deal they’re willing to take a risk on.

PSG knows there is interest in Carlos Soler from West Ham, and if that deal goes through, the French side would go all out for Cherki. So, it’s worth Arsenal making their move now to secure Cherki - before the competition heats up.