Arsenal are on the hunt for potential market opportunities in the summer transfer window, with Andrea Berta looking to land a bargain or two in the weeks ahead.
The Gunners are in need of some reinforcements, with Mikel Arteta and his team dropping just short of winning the Premier League title.
The forward ranks are of particular concern, with no Arsenal player hitting double figures for league goals for the first time since 1924.
While injuries certainly come into the equation, so too does the quality in depth that is missing at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will be looking to fix that before another busy campaign, with plenty of options currently available.
Included in that is a potential bargain, but the Gunners would have to act fast to beat their rivals to his signature.
Arsenal should hijack Manchester City’s move for Rayan Cherki
Among those seemingly available on the market this summer is Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who has impressed in recent seasons.
The 21-year-old has revealed he will leave the French club in the coming weeks, with clubs lining up to make a potential move.
Manchester City are in the mix, with the Telegraph reporting that a release clause in the region of £25 million could be triggered.
Cherki has long been linked with a top move, having broken through onto the senior scene at a young age.
While questions have arisen about a few areas of his game, his playmaking ability and potential to grow further are clear.
As Man City gear up for a possible deal, following Kevin De Bruyne’s exit, it’s simply one that Arsenal must look to hijack.
Cherki is capable of making an impression on the team immediately, while also being in an age range where he could play at the top level for many more years.
Add to that the depth he would provide, especially given the lack of cover for Martin Odegaard in the number ten position, and it seems a wise option.
The relatively cheap release clause only adds to the appeal of a potential market opportunity that may not be there otherwise.
It’s lined up as a deal Arsenal should try and complete, even despite a warning from Thierry Henry.
- READ MORE: Lionel Messi has already shared his honest thoughts about Andrea Berta’s newest Arsenal target
What Thierry Henry has said about Rayan Cherki and his ability
If there’s one person who knows all about the strengths and weaknesses of Rayan Cherki, it’s Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
The former forward coached the young playmaker in his time as the France under-21s coach, seeing up close just how good he is.
There was, however, a slight warning as to his ability when it comes to defending, which was called into question.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Henry said about Cherki: “Everyone knows what he can do. And this season, he has shown that he also knows how to do what is expected of him without the ball, that is to say, adapt to a system.
“His problem was that he had never been able to play a string of matches to show what an extraordinary player he is. But to play a string of matches, he had to do things, defensively, throughout the duration of a match.
“This season, he did it, so he played a string of matches. I appreciate this kid so much… It’s just that at certain times, you had to be tough, like a father with his son.
“For me, we’re talking about a guy who should have been battling with the others, at the very top, for a long time to see who is the best. He fell behind because it took him a while to understand… But now, he’s understood.”
While it certainly suggests that there have been questions over his defending, it’s something that can be worked on with Mikel Arteta and his coaches.
For that reason, even with the warning, Arsenal should make a move.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
