Chelsea have already turned their attention towards their next transfer target after recruiting Lesley Ugochukwu, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are set to sign the Rennes midfielder for £23m but Romano says Mauricio Pochettino’s side “will” now “focus” on getting a deal secured for Montpellier forward Elye Wahi:

After completing Ugochukwu deal with Rennes, Chelsea will focus again on negotiations for Elye Wahi 🔵✨🇫🇷

Talks will continue in the next days to agree terms with Montpellier and then loan Wahi to Strasbourg.

Chelsea know there are two more clubs trying to convince Wahi. pic.twitter.com/Ym0QrbWSMj

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2023

It is believed that Chelsea have already had one bid rejected by Montpellier for Wahi, and there are question marks over whether he is willing to go out on loan to Strasbourg.

Even so, co-Sporting Directors Lawrence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are expected to press ahead with attempts to sign the 20-year-old, who could cost between €30m (£26m) and €40m (£34m).

Chelsea will have competition for the striker

As Romano mentioned, there are two other teams pursuing Wahi’s signature. Reports in the French media have mentioned a number of potential suitors, including Tottenham, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, so we shall see which of these will rival the Blues for the forward.

From the sound of things, though, Chelsea appear to be the club most keen on getting a deal done, with fresh talks expected to take place at the start of next week.

Pochettino could do with having Wahi now

While Nicolas Jackson has impressed in pre-season, there is a danger that the Blues could head into the new campaign relying too much on the Senegalese international.

With it being reported that Armando Broja could be loaned out, it could leave manager Mauricio Pochettino with very few options to lead the line. It is, therefore, surprising that Chelsea are looking to loan out Wahi if he signs. Having scored 19 goals last season, he seems more than ready to play in the Premier League.