Chelsea is allegedly interested in signing Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.
Last season, the young Lyon combo played increasingly significant roles in the first squad, frequently flanking top scorer Alexandre Lacazette.
The result of Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat against West Ham United on Sunday may prompt additional investment in what has already been a summer of astronomical activity in the transfer market.
According to Football London, Chelsea has identified Barcola and Cherki as potential alternatives for Michael Olise, who signed a new contract with Crystal Palace last week.
Cherki has more senior experience, having made his debut in the 2019-20 season, but it was last season that he really came into his own.
The 20-year-old appeared in 34 of Lyon’s 38 Ligue 1 matches, scoring 10 goals, and has already played 90 minutes in both of the team’s league games this season.
Despite losses to Strasbourg and Montpellier, Barcola has played the entire game in both of Lyon’s games so far.
After making his debut two years ago, Barcola, who is also 20, had a strong season last season, scoring five goals and assisting on eight others in 26 league games.
The pair’s transfer is estimated to cost roughly £59.7 million, while Barcola is also thought to be of interest to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea have repeatedly dived into the French market since Todd Boehly became owner, stealing many of the league’s most sought-after players.
Axel Disasi and Lesley Ugochukwu have joined defensive duo Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto, who were also signed in January, with all four players seeking significant transfer fees.
Chelsea’s spending under Boehly has already surpassed £950 million since the arrival of Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea have broken the British transfer record twice in 2023, with Enzo Fernandez’s £106.8 million signing being surpassed last week by Moises Caicedo’s £115 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Transfers for Barcola and Cherki would bring the total to £1 billion in just three transfer windows.
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