Following a 3-1 loss against West Ham United last Sunday, this outcome might prompt further expenditures in what has already been an immensely active summer in Chelsea's transfer dealings. According to Football London, Barcola and Cherki are the names Chelsea is considering as alternatives to Michael Olise. Chelsea had missed out on Olise last week when he extended his contract with Crystal Palace.
Cherki boasts more senior side experience, having made his debut during the 2019-20 season, but it was the past season where he truly flourished. The 20-year-old participated in 34 out of Lyon's 38 Ligue 1 matches, contributing to 10 goals. He has already played the full 90 minutes in both of the team's league matches this season.
Barcola, also aged 20, has completed the full matches in Lyon's first two games of the season, despite defeats to Strasbourg and Montpellier. After making his debut two years ago, Barcola had an impressive season of his own, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 26 league games last season.
Securing both players is anticipated to come at an approximate cost of £59.7 million. However, it's worth noting that Barcola is also believed to be drawing interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea has been active in the French market since Todd Boehly's ownership began, successfully acquiring several highly sought-after talents from the league. Defensive pair Benoit Badiashile and Malo Gusto were acquired in January, and they have been joined by Axel Disasi and Lesley Ugochukwu, all of whom commanded substantial transfer fees.
With the recent addition of Romeo Lavia, Chelsea's expenditures under Boehly's ownership have now exceeded £950 million. This year alone, Chelsea broke the British transfer record twice, first with Enzo Fernandez's £106.8 million transfer and then with Moises Caicedo's £115 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion last week.
Should the moves for Barcola and Cherki materialize, Chelsea's spending would surpass the £1 billion mark within just three transfer windows.
