Tottenham have been advised to steer clear of Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki.

As reported by GiveMeSport (17 January), Lyon are “desperate” to raise funds and want to cash in on the 21-year-old playmaker.

As a result, intermediaries have offered Tottenham the chance to sign Cherki, with Fabrizio Romano reporting via X on Monday (20 January) that the Frenchman has a verbal agreement with Lyon that he can leave the club for £19million in the winter transfer window.

However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – doesn’t think Cherki’s personality would be a match for Spurs.

“We’re obviously talking about a talented player,” Wenham said.

“However, I’m not sure how appealing the whole package is – in terms of how he carries himself off the pitch. Perhaps that is why he hasn’t moved to another top club yet.

“Other clubs might have already done their due diligence and thought that while he is a talented player, the off-field issues mean it isn’t worth the risk. Otherwise, why hasn’t he gone somewhere else yet?

“I just don’t think he is the type of character we need around the club right now.”

Tottenham to avoid signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon?

It does seem suspicious that a talented footballer is available for just £19million – which in today’s market is a steal – yet nobody has snapped him up.

Something clearly isn’t right with that situation, and as a result, Tottenham would probably be wise to avoid a transfer. However, that doesn’t mean that Daniel Levy doesn’t need to bring players to the club.

Ange Postecoglou is under serious pressure in North London, and while the club are planning to stick by the 59-year-old [via Football London, 20 January], if things don’t improve in the coming weeks, that could change.

Therefore, unless Levy wants to undergo yet another excruciating search for a new manager, the Spurs chairman needs to bring some new players in to help Postecoglou out.