Liverpool in negotiations for cut-price wonderkid, in unbelievable agreement: source

The Reds are having an exceptional season and are currently considered frontrunners for the Premier League title, sitting at the top of the table during the November international break. Arne Slot has only suffered one defeat in all competitions, bringing a sense of optimism and excitement back to Anfield after a disappointing end to the Jurgen Klopp era last season.

Slot's high-flying Liverpool take on Southampton this weekend when Premier League action returns – but work is already ongoing to improve the squad at Anfield in the long-term.

Liverpool eyeing sensational deal for wonderkid

Liverpool only brought in two new players over the summer: goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili – who remained at Valencia on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season – and Federico Chiesa.

The Chiesa deal was particularly intriguing. According to the Guardian, the fee for the Italy star stood at just £10 million, with £2.5m of add-ons, in what could prove to be a bargain if the winger gets up to speed on Merseyside and recreates his glittering best in Serie A.

With Liverpool recruitment guru Michael Edwards having masterminded excellent value-for-money moves over the years – with Chiesa being the latest – a transfer for Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki could be his next sensational deal.

Renowned French publication L'Equipe have relayed that the Reds have made contact over a move for the 21-year-old, who may be available in January.

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Seven-time Ligue 1 champions Olympique Lyonnais have been slapped with a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 and transfer ban, amid financial mismanagement, essentially putting question marks over the entire squad. Former Premier League stars Said Benrahma, Alexandre Lacazette and Nemanja Matic all face uncertain futures.

Cherki made his Lyon debut aged just 16, later becoming the youngest-ever player to score for Les Gones, and was previously listed as one of FourFourTwo's most exciting teenagers to watch in the world. That he may be available for transfer is a huge boost for European giants.

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Lyon's potential slide into the second tier opens the opportunity for cut-price deals for many stars, with Cherki the jewel in the club's crown. Similarly to Chiesa, the young Frenchman is versatile, two-footed and would be a superb option in any number of positions behind the striker, with Arne Slot moving away from the false nine that Klopp deployed to use a more traditional No.9 leading his side.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, Cherki will be in big demand this winter – and it's possible that whoever ends up signing him could do Lyon a favour.

Any bargain signing for the wonderkid could see Lyon retain him on loan for the rest of the season to complete the campaign, before returning over the summer. Liverpool have already brokered such a deal for Mamardashvili and could repeat the trick once again.

Transfermarkt values Cherki at €20 million.