Frank Leboeuf has branded new target Rayan Cherki as ‘one of the most skilful players on earth’ but revealed his concern over the pursuit.
The Blues have , who has made more than 100 appearances for Lyon despite the fact he only turns 20 next month.
The U21 star has been identified as a potential replacement for Christian Pulisic, who is one of several players to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Pulisic is and will join the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy in leaving Chelsea.
Cherki is viewed as one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Ligue 1 and ex-Chelsea defender Leboeuf insists he is already one of the most skilful players in the world.
But the former France international has questioned whether Chelsea need another ‘player for the future’ when they will be desperate to hit the ground running under Mauricio Pochettino following a dismal campaign last season.
‘Skill-wise, one of the best players already on earth,’ he told when asked about Chelsea’s interest in Cherki. ‘He’s unbelievable for a 19-year-old. The guy can do everything.
‘But he’s young and still has to improve. He needs to learn when he has to get rid of the ball, it’s always half a second too early or half a second too late. It’s that rhythm that he needs to learn.
‘I have no doubt that he’s going to improve and I think he will get better. I think it could be a good investment, but I’m not sure he’s the kind of player Chelsea needs right now.
‘They need experienced players. They don’t need players for the future, they need players for now.’
Lyon are keen to keep Cherki at the club for at least one more season but would .
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