Mikel Arteta target ‘loves’ Arsenal as Ligue 1 outfit spill the beans on prospects of summer transfer
The chances of Arsenal signing Elye Wahi seem to have increased after Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin revealed the striker’s love for the club.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been tipped to add quality to his ranks this summer after last season’s Premier League heroics. The north Londoners pushed Manchester City all the way for 30 games before hitting the buffers. They ultimately came up short, finishing second, five points behind Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite Arsenal securing an eight-point lead at the top of the table at times in 2022-2023, many pundits tipped City to overhaul their rivals
That duly happened as the Emirates outfit appeared to run out of steam. A lack of depth to the squad was blamed, and that is something Arteta aims to address in the off-season.
Arsenal have been linked with many players, with a return to the Champions League making them an attractive proposition once again.
Wahi was mentioned in connection with the club last month, with Liverpool and Tottenham also linked.
However, a report earlier in June suggested the Gunners were at the head of the queue for his signature.
A fee of around £30m has been mooted for the 20-year-old forward, with Monaco also possible suitors.
And, speaking to 100% Paillade, Nicollin has done nothing to dispel the rumours that the capital outfit are favourites.
“His agent is talking to four or five big clubs, and I know who they are, but I won’t tell you,” he said. “We know how much he loves Arsenal.”
Wahi ticks all boxes for Arsenal move
Arteta has been roundly praised for the way he has turned things around at Arsenal.
Under pressure for his job at one stage, he has moulded an exciting side who look capable of winning silverware.
The Spaniard has a young side at his disposal, with potential to grow into a formidable unit.
And the addition of Wahi would only improve their prospects. The France Under-21 star has been turning heads with his displays for La Paillade.
Despite his tender years, he has already made 91 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 32 goals.
He has started 53 times in Ligue 1 and bagged all his goals in the French top flight.
He scored 19 goals and registered six assists in the season just finished. Scouts have been dispatched by many clubs to watch him play.
It was reported that Liverpool had representation in attendance as Wahi scored four goals in a league match with Lyon on May 7.
Incredibly, he still ended up on the losing team as Lyon ran out 5-4 winners.
But it is Arsenal who appear to be further along the line in any attempt to sign him.
There have been rumours of a bid but nothing concrete reported as yet. A fee around the £30m would not scare off the Gunners.
The Frenchman would fit nicely into the club’s policy of signing young players.
He is by no means certain to end up at the Emirates but his ‘love’ for the club can only aid any potential transfer.
