Rangers face Lyon test over Chermiti as Ligue 1 side weigh £15m package

Rangers’ determination to hold onto Youssef Chermiti is set to be tested after Lyon reportedly made contact over a big-money move for the striker, despite the Ibrox club’s public stance that he is not for sale.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, as relayed by the Daily Record, Lyon are “considering” their first formal bid for the 22-year-old, with a package worth around £11.9 million plus £3.4 million in bonuses said to be under discussion.

Chermiti arrived at Ibrox from Everton for an initial £8 million and endured a mixed first season in Glasgow, struggling early on to justify the outlay before finding his stride as the campaign progressed. He scored a hat-trick against Hearts in February and netted twice in an impressive display against Celtic, ending the season with 15 goals in total.

Rangers rebuffed Fenerbahce in January

The improvement in form during the second half of last season backed up Rangers’ decision to reject a £13 million bid from Fenerbahce in January, and the Gers are reported to be similarly reluctant to let Chermiti leave this time around.

Lyon’s head of recruitment, Benjamin Charrier, has reportedly reached out to Rangers over a potential deal as the Ligue 1 club look to make “concrete progress” in their pursuit of the forward. However, the Daily Record reports that Charrier has been warned any move would require a significantly “revised” offer before Rangers would even entertain a sale.

Lyon’s interest stems from the departure of Endrick, who has returned to Real Madrid following a loan spell in France that saw him lead the line for the second half of last season. That has left the club short of attacking options heading into the new campaign, prompting their move for Chermiti.

Wider interest in the Ibrox striker

Chermiti has also been linked with Galatasaray, PSV Eindhoven and Porto this summer, underlining the level of interest his form has generated after his breakthrough second half of the season at Ibrox.

Rangers will be keen to keep hold of a player who cost them relatively little in the modern market and has shown clear signs of development, particularly with a new manager looking to build a squad capable of challenging domestically and in Europe.

Whether Lyon’s interest develops into a concrete offer that meets Rangers’ valuation remains to be seen, but the club’s resolve over one of their prized assets looks set to be examined further as the transfer window progresses.