Chelsea are now in talks to sign Montpellier forward Elye Wahi in a deal potentially worth around €30million (£26million).
Elye Wahi is emerging as a key Chelsea target after the Blues ramped up negotiations in recent days.
That is according to French newspaper L’Equipe, who report that Chelsea are expected to make a first bid for Wahi this week.
It’s stated that Eintracht Frankfurt have been pushing to sign Wahi.
The Bundesliga side may well lose Randal Kolo Muani this summer but are pushing for Wahi’s signature even with no exit imminent.
The problem for Frankfurt is that Chelsea are now getting involved and are understood to have ‘positioned themselves’ for a deal.
Chelsea have accelerated talks in recent days and are expected to make a bid soon as Montpellier chase a €30million (£26million) deal.
Union Berlin, Lazio and Bournemouth are all thought to have made approaches for Wahi but it’s Chelsea who could now barge to the front of the queue.
Who is Chelsea target Elye Wahi?
Wahi first showed major promise in the Caen ranks but moved on in 2018, ending up with Montpellier.
13 goals in 48 games across Wahi’s first two seasons gave fans a glimpse of Wahi’s potential.
Wahi made good on that promise last season, racking up 19 goals in 33 Ligue 1 appearances.
Wahi is yet to feature for the French national team and can actually play for the Ivory Coast too, but is a French Under-21 regular.
The 20-year-old looks like a star of the future and it’s no surprise that he is attracting enormous interest.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Wahi move
Wahi has been on the radar of many clubs, including Arsenal.
Foot Mercato reported in June that Arsenal were preparing a bid to sign Wahi this summer.
Arsenal have since landed Kai Havertz from Chelsea and another attacking signing would be a surprise right now.
Still, France Bleu reporter Bertrand Queneutte told Esprit Paillade in June that Wahi ‘likes Arsenal a lot’ amid interest from a number of teams.
Wahi may well have interest in signing for Arsenal but a move to their rivals Chelsea now seems more likely.
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