Tottenham backed to sign James Maddison 2.0 amid financial development
Paul Robinson has backed Tottenham to take advantage of Lyon’s financial problems to sign Rayan Cherki – a player he likens to James Maddison – before 3 February.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have been offered the chance to sign the 21-year-old playmaker, according to GiveMeSport, with the Ligue 1 outfit “desperate” to raise funds.
Cherki could be available for just £19million as Lyon struggle financially [Fabrizio Romano], and Robinson has suggested that the Lilywhites could use the situation to their advantage before the transfer window slams shut.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “If a player like that becomes available, you put your hat in the ring, don’t you? He’s not a necessity for January but because of Lyon’s financial situation, he’s a player you invest in for the future.
“He’s a No.10, much like James Maddison. It would be Lyon’s finances that they’re able to capitalise on. You look at his record this season – 14 appearances, three goals, three assists, and two goals in the Europa League.
“His contract is up next season so there is an opportunity for the likes of Tottenham to get him. I rate him, he’s a top player, and there’s more to come from him. He could handle the Premier League.
“Cherki is a top player. If they got him, it would be a really good signing for the future.”
Tottenham to benefit from Lyon struggles with Rayan Cherki signing?
When an opportunity to sign such a gifted player, like Cherki, it is almost impossible to turn that down, but Spurs should be targeting other areas of the pitch.
In the absences of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies, albeit the latter returned recently, Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray have lined up in the centre of defence, with the Lilywhites leaking goals.
Cherki would certainly be a player for the future, though, with 165 first-team appearances for Lyon and getting ever closer to a call-up to the France national team.
In other Tottenham news, Jamie O’Hara dropped an “outrageous” claim after what’s been said about the defeat to Leicester City.
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