According to ESPN, Chelsea are preparing to submit an opening offer for Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki as the Blues seek a replacement for Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic is close to leaving Chelsea for Italian side AC Milan, with the United States midfielder due to undergo a medical with the Serie A giants in the next 24 hours.

Cherki, who was born in Lyon and is a product of the club’s youth system, is valued at around €40 million and is under contract until June 2025 after an automatic one year extension was triggered in April when he reached 15 Ligue 1 starts.

The wages of the 20 year old were automatically increased at the time, too, and he currently earns €75,000-a-week gross.

Cherki, who is equally capable with his right and left foot and takes corners and free kicks with both feet, offers great versatility as he can play in every attacking position from winger to second striker, No. 10 and even false 9.