Chelsea FC have been linked with RC Lens striker Elye Wahi. The French youngster snubbed Chelsea last year saying he didn’t want to join “just for the sake of it”.
Wahi had his breakthrough season with Montpellier, scoring 19 times and provided 6 assists in 33 matches. The Blues tried to sign him but failed because their sporting project did not appeal to the striker. He preferred a move to West Ham instead but ended up joining RC Lens for a record fee of €30M.
After having a decent season at the League 1 club, Wahi could already be moved up. This would be good business for RC lens who will look to sell him for profit but haven’t announced his price yet.
Why has Elye Wahi attracted the Chelsea management?
Wahi is the only player alongside Kylian Mbappe to have scored 20 goals in the french league as a teenager. His journey to fame began at Caen where he first attracted attention as a youth. He went on to score 89 goals as an under-15 player. After his breakthrough season with Montpellier his talents reached the eyes of various european clubs.
Chelsea having failed to secure him in the previous transfer window have renewed their interest in the player. According to L’Equipe, two premier league sides have inquired about the player. West ham are chasing the talented youngster as well. They want new and energetic faces to spearhead the attack under Julien Lopetegui.
Chelsea want to sign him and then loan him out to their sister club RC Strasbourgh. They want him to gain more experience and develop before returning to Stamford Bridge.
Wahi did not have a good season after moving to RC Lens, he scored only 12 times in 36 appearances. But he’s still young and has time to grow. His age fits Chelsea’s buying profile; the Blues have heavily invested in young players since Tod Boehly took over.
Chelsea are looking for a new striker
The Blues have begun their rebuilding process and have shortlisted several players to increase their attacking depth. Marc Guiu, has joined Stamford bridge as their first signing in the striker position this summer.
Other players in their extensive shortlist include Jonathan David, Samu Omordion and Jhon Duran. Victor Osimhen is in the list as well but signing him will be tricky for the blues. A swap deal is a possibility which will see Romelu Lukaku join Napoli in exchange for Osimhen landing at London as a Chelsea player.
Wahi is being followed as an alternative to Osimhen. Reports say Enzo Maresca wants more options in the number 9 position. Nicolas Jackson has not been able to cement his role in the squad as the dependable goal scorer, often being called out for his lack of passion and accountability. Bringing in other options will increase the competition among the team and raise spirits.
Wahi signing: Is it good for Chelsea?
The fans won’t be excited over another young signing. A recurring trend in the Boehly era, the persistence in bringing in upcoming and exciting young talents from all across Europe has not given any eyecatching results. The various managers have spent a combined total of 1 billion in transfers since Boehly took over.
Something needs to change at Chelsea, bringing in more players might not be the ideal solution. Enzo Maresca will need to figure out a solution before the season starts. He is expected to bring in results and improve on his predecessors who failed to win any trophies after splashing considerable money in respective transfer windows.
A decision will be made in the upcoming days on Wahi situation. Chelsea will face competition from two clubs in the French forward’s signing, namely West Ham and Monaco.
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