Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Chelsea join Arsenal in £26m transfer race for Ligue 1 star after Kai Havertz move

Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in signing Montpellier striker Elye Wahi in the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old has established himself as one of Ligue 1's most exciting young forwards in recent times, 19 goals in 33 games last season.

It is claimed that the France Under-21 international is now being 'closely followed' by the Gunners, who would likely have to pay in the region of €30 million (£26.3 million) to prise him away from Montpellier in this summer's transfer window. Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in Wahi.

Mikel Arteta wants to add a versatile forward to his attack with the future of Folarin Balogun uncertain ahead of next season. Chelsea are also in the market for a new attacker after allowing Kai Havertz to join Arsenal in a £65million deal last month.

Despite Havertz's arrival at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta may look to deploy the Germany international in an attacking midfield role as he looks to freshen up his tactics. Bukayo Saka played more minutes than any other outfield player for the Gunners last term and quality cover for the England international will be required to ease the pressure on him.

Chelsea are expected to submit a bid to sign Wahi in the summer transfer window, according to a report from L’Equipe. The 20-year-old is tied to Montpellier with his contract set to expire in 2025 - yet it is widely accepted that the young striker will leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer.

READ MORE:Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Rice and Timber 'confirmed', Tchouameni move, Mbappe warning

The Blues are expected to sell Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer which will leave just Armando Broja as the only remaining striker from last season at Stamford Bridge. Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have both been confirmed as new signings for Mauricio Pochettino, but Wahi is another player that could bolster Chelsea's attacking options.

Which of the following rising stars would you promote or send out on loan? Swipe to have your say

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.