As the Gunners get ready for a potential exit in the strike role this summer, reports claim that Arsenal is still in the running to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi.
Folarin Balogun’s future is still up in the air, and the returning loanee has made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave the team on a loan agreement or be given a part-time job at the Emirates.
This week, football.london reported that a number of clubs interested in the £50 million striker believed the 22-year-old may have a “exit plan.”
This summer, Mikel Arteta might find a replacement for the Hale End product, with Wahi reemerging as a possible target.
Could Elye Wahi be acquired by Arsenal?
Arsenal’remain in the race’ to sign the 20-year-old, according to Foot Mercato, who they reportedly had their eye on back in January.
Other Premier League clubs with interest in the striker, who is anticipated to leave Montpellier this summer, include Newcastle United and Chelsea.
The French team values their forward at ‘no less than’ €40 million (£34 million), according to the report.
The calibre of Elye Wahi?
It’s not surprising that the young Frenchman is drawing interest from the Premier League this summer after scoring 19 goals in Ligue 1.
The 20-year-old forward, who was once hailed as a “superstar” by U23 talent scout Antonio Mango, could be a compelling choice for Edu to consider if Balogun were to leave north London.
The Gunners may be torn between retaining the talent they already have and replacing him with a player who shares some of his qualities after scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
With players like Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah poised behind the Brazilian in the pecking order, it will be challenging for Arsenal to assure Balogun that he will be playing at the top. Gabriel Jesus is expected to remain Arteta’s favourite.
According to rumours, the youngster has a £50 million price tag assigned by the north Londoners, and a transfer may be in the works.
Links to Wahi may come at a good time as the club considers its options for the future with and without the American international.
Wahi, who scored a goal every 133 minutes in Ligue 1 last season, has also been praised as “one of the most prolific U21’s in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
According to FBref, the Frenchman averaged more non-penalty goals per 90 than Balogun, with 0.64 per 90 compared to 0.45 for the American.
It is obvious that the Montpellier sensation poses a threat in the final third with an average of 1.2 shots on target and 1.43 carries into the penalty area per 90 last season.
The fact that the young player has five assists this year compared to the American international’s two for Reims suggests that he may be a stronger creative asset.
With all speculation based on Balogun’s next move, it’s advantageous for the Gunners to be in the position to reportedly have the choice between two outstanding forward talents.
If Arsenal decides to let the 22-year-old leave for a guaranteed starting position, then bringing in a player as dynamic as the Hale End graduate is crucial.
