Arsenal could hijack Chelsea's move for 'lethal' striker after he admitted he 'likes' the Gunners

Arsenal have entered the race for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi this summer, according to reports.

Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber have already made the switch to the Emirates. But Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad with further attacking talent.

Wahi, 20, enjoyed a fantastic 2022/23 campaign in which he scored 19 goals in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, providing a further six assists.

In turn, he has caught the attention of new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. However, Wahi is eager to play first-team football and ‘doesn’t like’ the Blues' plan to loan him out to Strasbourg.

That's according to French outlet RMC Sport, who also detail Arsenal's interest in the forward amid uncertainty around Folarin Balogun's future at the club.

The report adds that Chelsea are said to be preparing a €32m (£28m) bid for the France Under-21 international. Although Arsenal have now 'enquired' about Wahi and could hijack Chelsea's move.

Wahi 'likes Arsenal a lot'

To add to Arsenal's transfer hopes, Wahli has already admitted his love for the Gunners.

Speaking in an interview with Esprit Paillade, Montpellier’s President Laurent Nicollin said: “His [Wahi's] agent talks with 4-5 big clubs, I know them but I won’t tell you. We know he likes Arsenal a lot.”

Football scouting website Breaking The Lines have waxed lyrical about the player's ability, labelling him a "lethal threat".

“Wahi is a pacey striker who does excel in transitions, but his flexibility and range of finishing make him a lethal threat even for a deep-sitting side," their report read.

“The one touch finishing is exquisite, and he could be deadly in another counter-attacking side.”