Should Arsenal pursue this young striker to replace Balogun?
Arsenal and Chelsea are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, according to French outlet Foot Mercato. The 20-year-old had a standout season with Montpellier, scoring an impressive 19 goals and providing 6 assists in 33 appearances, despite his young age.
Chelsea are reportedly working on a deal to bring Wahi to Stamford Bridge and also look to be the frontrunners for his signature, with plans to loan him out to Strasbourg, who have recently been acquired by co-owner Todd Boehly.
However, the Gunners are not willing to give up without a fight and are also eyeing a move for the talented young striker. Newcastle are also mentioned as a potential suitor for Wahi’s services.
Chelsea in talk to sign Elye Wahi 19 yrs old
pic.twitter.com/e8ayANUM8O— 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹kuba🐐 (@CFCkub) July 10, 2023
The North London outfit’s interest in the 20yo could be driven by their plans to sell Folarin Balogun, as they seek a replacement for the young forward.
Montpellier values their prized asset at around £26 million, making him an affordable option for Arsenal. The Gunners are currently considering offers for Balogun, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Reims, scoring 22 goals. The Gunners are reportedly open to listening to bids in the region of £50 million for Balogun.
Wahi could be seen as a suitable replacement for the USMNT, as both players possess similar attributes. They are mobile strikers who rely on their movement and agility to create space and score goals. While Wahi is slightly taller than Balogun, their playing styles complement each other.
Arsenal’s pursuit of the young Frenchman may depend on the outcome of the Hale End academy product’s potential transfer, which could take some time to materialize.
Elye Wahi scored 19 league goals for Montpellier in the just-ended season with 18 of them being non-penalty goals and recorded 5 assists.
I'd just rather throw the bags at him than looking at Vlahovic or Osimhen. pic.twitter.com/toLCrpaAcQ
— JONNY🫵 (@4EVAJN) July 10, 2023
This could turn out to be bad news as it can give the likes of both Newcastle and Chelsea a smoother run in for his signature.
The former, who have secured Champions League qualification, are keen to strengthen their squad, while the Blues see Wahi as a player who can gain valuable first-team experience on loan first and then be invaluable for themselves.
The South London side are trying to rebuild their squad after selling the likes of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Édouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly. So they may be more desperate than Arsenal to make a move early and fast.
As the battle between Arsenal and Chelsea unfolds for Wahi’s signature, it remains to be seen which club will come out on top. The allure of regular first-team opportunities and the project each club presents will likely play a significant role in Wahi’s decision.
Arsenal remain in the race for Elye Wahi alongside Chelsea and Newcastle [@footmercato] #Transfers pic.twitter.com/XaJ69fvk6K
— Transfer Centre (@CentreTransfer) July 10, 2023
I personally would rather see Arsenal convince Balogun to stay rather than sign another player of the same ilk. It just doesn’t make sense to let go of one of our own just to bring a similar player from another club. It will also take away one homegrown spot which is just a by-product but still a thing to consider.
Who knows what is going to happen. If an offer arrives for Eddie Nketiah, it will completely change the landscape not just the fans are living in but also Balogun, who might be convinced to stay and fight for his spot against Gabriel Jesus.
Writer – Yash Bisht
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I do rather we give Balogun a chance than sign this guy. If we are to sign a striker, we should sign a tall striker for plan B.
complete nonsense to sell Balogan to sign another striker because he wants guaranteed first pick.Whoever we replace him with would presumably want the same if he was of equal ability
Where did he ever say he wants to be 1st pick?
Has Balogun been quoted as saying or wanting “guaranteed first pick?”
I’ve seen him quoted about not going on loan again but nothing on being first pick.
Balogun even said he knows he isn’t automatic 1st choice with US national team, he has to build chemistry with players and prove himself first.
Nonsense about Balogun wanting to be 1st choice at Arsenal, he just want an opportunity with the first team. Isn’t that the ambition we want in players? Hungry to play not content sitting on the bench?
As for the article I doubt Arsenal have any interest.
So sell a 20 goal scorer in French league to buy another 20 goal scorer in French league?
Any new striker hopefully will be either
1. Upgrade on Jesus
2. Plan B to offer something different tactically
I guess you need something to write about, but the smart money says Chelsea are interested in Balogan and Vudhovic. If they get these two why would they want to sign anyone else.
You can’t just compare goal numbers and assume this guy and balogun are effectively the same level. Henry was better than the vast majority of goalscorers in epl history not because he scored more than all of them, but because he did so much more than just score goals.
This guy might well have better technique or be more adept in different areas of the pitch (eg from wide positions) and so might be a better prospect then balogun.
(However, reading the controversies in his wiki article would give me pause! Might be best to stay away for other reasons)
Come on guys, we need NO further strikers, even when Balogun leaves.
Contrary to popular misbeliefs, Arsenal are not a player hoarding football club. We have Gabriel Jesus as first choice striker, and Eddie Nketiah, who is his back-up. Furthermore we have Trossard and Havertz in our ranks who all have plenty of experience playing up front. We don’t need additional striker. Neither Balogun, nor anybody in his replacement.
You may challenge if Nketiah is good enough to be Arsenal’s #2, but firstly he probably is, secondly he is willing to wait for his opportunities. That is something we cannot say about Balogun, Vlahovic, Osimhen, Watkins or David.
Wanting to sign Wahi is probably bull$hit, so is our interest towards Fresneda, Walker, Cancelo and Frimpong. Even if those rumors make you feel good, these are just fake news fueled by the players’ agents, or maybe Edu is taking the piss at Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle for bringing the price of our transfer targets up, so now we are doing the same to retaliate. But nevertheless the interest is not genuine.