Chelsea are readying an opening offer for Montpellier star Elye Wahi, but do not plan to use him at Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new no.9 this summer despite having already signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal earlier in the transfer window, with Romelu Lukaku certain to depart ahead of the new season and having been left out of Chelsea’s tour of the USA.
They are set to formalise their interest in young Wahi in the coming days, with the Frenchman coming off the back of a Ligue 1 season that saw him score 19 times and grab a further 6 assists.
As per the Athletic, Paris Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid are also both interested in the youngster but ‘Chelsea are the most advanced in the race’ in a move that is expected to cost around 30m euros.
However, Wahi will not be plying his trade at Stamford Bridge next season even if the Blues win the race for his signature.
Due to his desire for first team football, and the logjam of young strikers in west London already, the forward is expected to be sent out on loan to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, who have recently been purchased by Chelsea.
Chelsea’s search for a senior striker continues, with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo-Muani on their radar, though they are currently focusing their transfer efforts on midfield after seeing a second bid for Moises Caicedo rejected on Monday.
