Arsenal are plotting a move for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi this summer, with the 20-year-old almost certain to leave his current club before the new season following a breakout campaign in the French top flight.
According to French outlet FootMercato, the Gunners are ‘engaged in a merciless battle’ with Ligue 1 side Monaco for his signature, and better yet, a ‘first transfer offer is even about to be made’ by Mikel Arteta’s side for the youngster, who is valued at around 30m euros.
His manager believes that he would be an excellent addition, though he hinted he may be Premier League bound.
“The kid, he’s 20, and full of talent,” De Zakarian told France Bleu. “That costs a lot. For me, [he’s worth a] minimum €25-30m. When you see the TV rights over there, England can buy him. It’s easier for them.
It comes after Wahi drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappe when he matched the PSG star in scoring 20 Ligue 1 goals while still a teenager, and he has managed 17 this season alone, along with a further six assists as he has helped Montpellier safely avoid relegation from the French top flight.
In truth, the move makes little sense. Folarin Balogun, on loan from Arsenal in Ligue 1, sits above Wahi in the goalscoring charts with 20, meaning that Arsenal already have a marksman on their books should they wish to use him, though there are reports that Balogun himself is keen on a permanent departure from north London in search of first-team football.
