Rayan Cherki transfer prediction made as Arsenal face summer race

Arsenal will not be alone in their interest in Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki in the summer transfer window, according to pundit Rio Ferdinand.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye with his performances for the Ligue 1 club so far this season. He has scored 11 goals and provided 18 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.

That form has led to several transfer links ahead of the summer transfer window, with ’s name mentioned among the clubs reportedly showing an interest in the midfielder.

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He was in action for Lyon in the quarter-final against Manchester United on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim’s side are also reported to be interested in the player, but former defender Ferdinand doesn’t think they’ll be alone

“I think there’s going to be clubs in for him, you look at the number of assists in the top five league in all competitions and he’s third on that list, and he’s sitting there with some good company,” he told TNT Sport ahead of the game between United and Lyon.

“He’s going to go to a bigger and better club than Lyon, no disrespect. I’m really interested to see when he does go does he level up?”

Presenter Jules Breach then mentions Arsenal, aswell as United and Liverpool as the clubs who have been linked with an interest in the midfielder ahead of the summer. Former United man Paul Scholes believes that they’ll be several clubs in England keeping a close eye on him.

“He’s in the shop window really, as Rio spoke about in the last part they’ve got some financial issues aswell, I think he is one player they can make a few quid on. This is a big night for him tonight, if he performs here.

“If Manchester United are interested in him I’m sure they’ll be having a good look tonight, but they’ll be many other clubs in England having a good look at him.”

Cherki has also been praised by former Arsenal man and now Lyon teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles. "He is the best natural talent I've ever seen," he told last week.

"An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.

"He is taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them - he is a genius. He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.

"He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season."