Chelsea near to hijacking Arsenal’s deal for Ligue 1 star
According to French publication Foot Mercato and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano (h/t Football London), Chelsea are close to signing Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, who was a target for Arsenal in recent weeks.
It is disclosed that despite Chelsea’s intentions to purchase the striker and loan him to sister club RC Strasbourg, he has no intention of making that move after joining the Blues.
There have been developments in the negotiations. The 20-year-old could cost Chelsea around €40 million as they look to bolster their center-forward position.
Wahi has played for Montpellier’s first squad for three seasons, scoring 32 goals in 84 Ligue 1 appearances. Before advancing to the senior squad, he was a member of the junior team.
What’s up, Chelsea?
The 20-year-old has played as a winger on either side and as an attacking midfielder as well as a center forward throughout his career.
Knowing the composition of the Chelsea squad under Mauricio Pochettino, it is apparent that a forward capable of scoring 20+ goals per season is required. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is leaving Borussia Dortmund for Olympique de Marseille, while Romelu Lukaku’s future is uncertain (not that they were providing us with goal-scoring statistics anyway).
Arsenal has expressed interest in Wahi over the past few weeks.
The club did sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal earlier in this transfer window, but the Senegalese international has only one season of first-team experience. While he could be a valuable asset in the future, Chelsea needs a player for the present.
Wahi is a young, dynamic forward who can score goals, connect the play, run the channels, and annoy defenders. He can establish a strong alliance with individuals such as Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and others.
Even though the Frenchman is opposed to the idea, Chelsea should sign him with the intent of playing him next season, rather than loaning him out.
Chelsea near to hijacking Arsenal’s deal for Ligue 1 star