Rayan Cherki to Liverpool green light for Arne Slot as Lyon transfer 'agreed'

Liverpool could be set to swoop for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki in the January transfer window, as the French club reportedly are preparing a replacement despite their current transfer embargo.

Arne Slot’s side has been linked with Cherki for some time, but have remained tight-lipped about their transfer plans.

Recent injuries and suspensions have highlighted the need for squad depth as Liverpool chase Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup glory. Last summer, the Reds were open to ‘opportunistic’ signings, and Cherki fits the bill as Lyon look to boost their finances or risk relegation to Ligue 2.

“We’ll see at the end of the season if I’m still here or not,” Cherki recently confessed. Despite a €508m (£421.1m) debt and a transfer ban, Lyon are expected to sign a player in January, according to ESPN.

“Everything is ready for me to go to Lyon. I am going on January 5. I asked [about the financial difficulties] and they told me that they would resolve that,” Botafogo’s Thiago Almada revealed.

The 23-year-old Argentine, who can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, signed for Brazilian team Botafogo in July for a fee of €20m (£16.5m). The club shares American ownership with Lyon, and it was always the plan for him to switch clubs after six months.

It’s unclear how the French side will navigate the ban imposed by French football watchdog Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG), but they intend to register and field their new star for the second half of the season.

With the potential need to sell key players next month, Cherki – who plays in the same position as Almada – could be one of their best options to raise funds, and Liverpool might step in if they decide to pursue their reported interest.

Manager Pierre Sage seemed unsure when asked if the 21-year-old would stay beyond the January window, and it’s been suggested that a €25m (£20.8m) offer would secure the deal.