Chelsea set to make €32m bid for 20-year-old – but one big transfer hurdle to overcome

Chelsea face a hurdle to overcome in their pursuit of Montpellier forward Elye Wahi. 

They are expected to formalise their interest this week with an offer of around €32 million including add-ons.

The plan for Wahi is to send him on loan to Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg, who have recently been acquired by Chelsea’s owners.

Chelsea, though, face a battle to convince the 20-year-old of their idea to send him on loan back to France.

As reported by Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, Wahi’s isn’t currently of the view of wanting to join Strasbourg on loan once Chelsea finalise a summer transfer.

Discussions will take place over the coming days between Chelsea, Montpellier and Wahi over the next steps as a transfer appears to close in, with Hawkins stating ‘everything can happen’ in terms of what’s next.

L’Equipe have confirmed an agreement on personal terms is in place, and now a decision is now needed to be made over Wahi’s next club. He isn’t particularly enthralled by the idea of moving back to France due to question marks over if it is a ‘genuine step forward’ for his career. However, no final decision has been made yet.

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have made enquiries about the young Frenchman, while PSG have no interest in the forward. 

Mauricio Pochettino has already seen two forwards arrive this summer, Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, both of whom will stay with the first-team.

The Chelsea head coach wants more signings to bolster his squad, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo a top target, however accepts any signing has to be the right profile to add to who he currently has at his disposal.

“I want the right profiles to come in and improve the squad,” said Pochettino ahead of Chelsea’s opening pre-season game against Wrexham.

“As soon as possible is better than later but we need to work really hard for the target we have. Arrive today is better than tomorrow but we know it’s difficult.”