FootMercato report that Arsenal and AS Monaco have taken the lead in the race to sign Elye Wahi this summer, with the striker very likely to leave Montpellier.
Arsenal have reportedly been following and scouting Wahi for many months, and they’re set to make their first offer for a transfer.
Though the exact value of that bid isn’t known, it’s believed to be below the €30-35m that Montpellier want.
Monaco remain keen despite the high price, and they could reportedly make the argument that Wahi needs a stepping-stone club before moving to the Premier League.
Arsenal deals summer 2023 – Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
The 20-year-old has 17 goals and six assists in 32 games for Montpellier this season, as well as scoring once in his three cameo appearances for the France u21s (totalling just 76 minutes on the pitch).
Yet it would be somewhat surprising to see Arsenal bid for Wahi, as recent reports have suggested the Gunners are unlikely to pursue a centre-forward this summer.
Whilst there’s clearly a lot of interest in strengthening the midfield, as well as adding a versatile defender, and possibly a winger to provide cover for Bukayo Saka, David Ornstein recently told FIVE that he hasn’t heard anything about a striker search.
“I don’t hear big suggestions that they are going to be bringing in a striker,” Ornstein said. “I think they’re focused on those other positions (a defender, a midfielder, possibly a winger).
“There was a report in The Times suggesting they may be able to make about £100m (in sales).
“So with Champions League revenues, with the existing commitment of the Kroenkes, who have put their money where their mouths are, with potential sales, then it could be a really big summer of investment.”
Ornstein mentioned Eddie Nketiah’s new contract as one reason why Arsenal might not be looking for a striker this summer, even if Folarin Balogun leaves, and that’s certainly true.
The Gunners made two significant commitments to the centre-forward position by signing Gabriel Jesus and extending Nketiah’s deal in 2022, less than a year ago.
There’s also Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who played the position in Jesus and Nketiah’s absence to good effect.
The only thing that might have changed since those comments is that Reiss Nelson is now looking more likely to extend his contract.
Perhaps that might shift the focus from a wide-forward signing to a centre-forward signing, but that’s just speculation for the time being.
Arsenal deals summer 2023 – Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
