Sources: Arsenal express interest in signing Chelsea target Elye Wahi after Gabriel Jesus injury
Elye Wahi represents France U21s against Norway U21s
TEAMtalk understands Arsenal have enquired about the signing of Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, setting up a transfer battle with London rivals Chelsea.
Wahi, 20, is rated as one of the top young centre-forwards in France following a great campaign in 2022-23. He registered 19 goals and six assists in 33 appearances to help Montpellier finish 12th in Ligue 1.
Chelsea have been working hard to sign him in recent weeks. Their initial plan was to complete a permanent deal with Montpellier before sending Wahi on loan to sister club Strasbourg. But Wahi was not happy about this prospect and Chelsea are resultantly willing to send him on loan elsewhere, should they strike an agreement with Montpellier.
However, that has just gotten harder for the Blues to do as TEAMtalk understands Arsenal have also expressed their interest in landing the France U21 international. West Ham and Fulham are the other Premier League clubs who have enquired about Wahi.
Arsenal’s interest in Wahi comes after Gabriel Jesus’ injury. The former Manchester City ace will miss the first few weeks of the new campaign after undergoing surgery on a minor knee issue.
Arsenal could also lose fellow striker Folarin Balogun in the near future as Inter step up their pursuit of him.
Of course, Mikel Arteta does have Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah in his squad too. However, he now wants Wahi to join as well to help Arsenal’s Premier League title push.
Wahi, who is also wanted by Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, is valued at €40million (£34.5m) by Montpellier.