Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Olympique Lyonnaise attacker Rayan Cherki. The Blues are in the market for a new attacking midfielder this summer following the departure of Mason Mount, and Christian Pulisic and Cherki has emerged as potential target.  The 19-year-old Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently following his impressive performances for Lyon. Cherki, who sees his contract at the Groupama Stadium expire in 2025, featured 34 times for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 last season, contributing ten goals. He has quickly established himself as a key component in Blanc’s starting lineup, and his impressive performances have attracted the interest of Mauricio Pochettino. Read more: Chelsea hold firm on Romelu Lukaku valuation after rejecting initial Inter bid According to reports, Lyon wants €50 million (£42.7million) for Cherki, though Chelsea feels a deal could be done for closer to €40million (£35.2million). But Sportsmail claims that Lyon are in a difficult financial position and would be more willing to sell the teenage sensation abroad rather than strengthen a Ligue 1 rival. Meanwhile, Laurent Blanc has advised Cherki to remain at Olympique Lyonnais for a further year despite interest from Chelsea.  In an interview with French newspaper Le Progres, as quoted by RMC Sport, the 57-year-old said: “OL must say, okay, if these are figures at an impressive level, but on the other hand, at this price (27 million), I tell him to stay one more year in Lyon,” said the 57-year-old. “I’d really mind if he left. It’s the same for Cherki. Especially since we made room for them, it would be a little early, but maybe I’m being a little selfish.”

Riyad Mahrez could leave Manchester City this summer with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli preparing to make a £30 million ($39m) bid for the City winger. The Algerian still has two years to run on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, but Al-Ahli have set their sights on signing him. According to The Athletic, the 32-year-old is undecided about signing for the Saudi Arabian club despite a salary offer in the region of £25m-per-year ($32m) from Al-Ahli. Read more: ‘I can’t say no’: Moises Caicedo admits he’s DESPERATE for a move to Chelsea As per the report, Pep Guardiola’s side is said to be also mulling over the deal and are aren’t in a hurry to accept, even if it would represent terrific value for money considering Mahrez’s age. As it stands, much will depend on whether both the Algerian and City are eager to accept the deal. Mahrez is still a key player for City and Pep Guardiola. The situation will continue to evolve over the coming weeks.

Aston Villa have signed Spanish defender Pau Torres from Villarreal for £33 million. The defender emerged as the club’s number-one defensive target this summer after another impressive session with the Yellow Submarines.  And despite interest from other European clubs, the 26-year-old chose to move to Aston Villa, where he will work with his former boss Unai Emery. Read more: Manor Solomon joins Tottenham on a free transfer Torres becomes Villa’s second signing of the summer after the Midlands club signed Youri Tielemans from Leicester City for free. With his addition to the squad, Villa now boasts an array of quality centre-backs. He joins Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Diego Carlos as centre-back options for Emery. Villa had teased the long-awaited signing by posting a video of a player wearing the club’s new kit with the caption: “Good things come to those who wait.” The club then posted the official reveal ushering in his arrival, saying: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Spanish international Pau Torres from Villarreal!” This is unlikely to be the end of Villa’s summer transfer activity, with the club targeting a wide forward as well as another midfielder and a striker. Both Brennan Johnson and Harvey Barnes are on the radar though Forest will let Johnson go only if they receive about £50million

Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed the signing of Israeli forward Manor Solomon on a free transfer. Solomon, whose contract at Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk expired in June, has agreed to join the Premier League side on a five-year deal following his fruitful loan spell at Fulham last campaign. Read more: Manchester United prepared to offer Mason Greenwood to Atalanta on a loan He becomes Spurs’ fourth major summer signing after the arrivals of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, and Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal. Reacting to his move to North London, the Israeli said on Twitter: “I’m so delighted and excited to be joining this fantastic football club. “It’s truly an honour to be here, and I can’t wait to get started. To dare is to do!” Solomon spent last season on loan at Fulham. He began his season-long stint at Craven Cottage with a serious knee injury but went on to chalk up 24 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals. With Solomon joining, Ange Posteclogue will now focus on sorting out the future of wantaway striker Harry Kane. The England international, with just one year left on his contract, is subject to two huge bids from Bayern Munich. He has communicated his desire to leave this summer. However, Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy is reluctant to sell him.