Arsenal must gamble on £19m star Rio Ferdinand loves, he almost became teammates with Emile Smith Rowe last summer

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Arsenal know that attacking additions are required this summer in order to close the gap on Liverpool ahead of next season’s title race.

Rodrygo has put Arsenal on alert after revealing that he does not want to play for Real Madrid again, leaving Mikel Arteta pondering a move for the Brazilian winger.

Viktor Gyokeres is close to signing for Arsenal and is set to be offered double his salary by Andrea Berta in an attempt to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.

Martin Odegaard’s recent slump in form has left fans questioning whether the club need to strengthen in the number ten position and a player is available to Arsenal in a deal that is simply too good to miss out on.

READ MORE: Arsenal’s stance on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli futures revealed amid new contract talks and Saudi transfer links

Arsenal should sign Rayan Cherki in £19m deal

According to Get French Football News, Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki is allowed to leave the club this summer for an agreed price of just under £19m (€22.5m).

The 21-year-old has been in excellent form for his club this season scoring 12 goals and producing 19 assists in his 43 appearances across all competitions this season.

A number of Premier League clubs are said to be chasing Cherki and he almost joined former Gunner Emile Smith-Rowe at Fulham last summer but rejected the offer at the last minute as per the Daily Mail.

Arsenal have struggled against sides implementing a low-block against them this season and Cherki could be the perfect foil for Odegaard to help break down any resistance.

What Rio Ferdinand has said about Rayan Cherki

Cherki played in Lyon’s recent Europa League quarter-final defeat against Manchester United and Rio Ferdinand was one pundit who was impressed with the youngster’s display.

As per The Manchester Evening News, Ferdinand told TNT Sports after the game at Old Trafford that he believed there was going to be a lot of ‘clubs in for him’.

Ferdinand stated: “There’s going to be clubs in for him, it’s obvious, look at the amount assists in all comps, he’s third on that list and he’s sitting up there in some good company.

“Listen, he’ll go to a bigger and better club than Lyon, no disrespect. I’m really interested in seeing when he does go, does he level up?”

If the Gunners can acquire the likes of Gyokeres and Rodrygo this summer, their front line would all of a sudden be looking far more ominous for opponents.

Add in the magic and creativity of Cherki and Arteta could have a formula to transform his side’s tag of ‘nearly-men’ to serial winners.