Chelsea are one of two clubs who have “come forward” for Lens striker Elye Wahi, according to L’Equipe.
The French newspaper reports that the Blues have not tabled an official bid yet as they are “waiting to see” what valuation Lens put on the player. Ironically, the Ligue One side were the club that beat Chelsea to Wahi’s signature last summer but the forward could well be moving to Stamford Bridge just 12 months later. Fans on X are rather underwhelmed about the prospect of the Frenchman being brought in:
Not again
— TopBoy Zinii 🍏 (@Pharouk96) July 18, 2024
He fell off massively this season. No reason to go for him.
— SF (@SmartFootyCFC) July 18, 2024
— CFC Critic. (@CFCCritic_) July 18, 2024
Openda is better
— Sam Chelsea (@SamuelM91847786) July 18, 2024
Ewww no thanks
— 𝕏 (@ChelsJayJay) July 18, 2024
Please just sign Duran
— CfCBant (@Nachefmanefdis) July 18, 2024
We’re a greedy club tbh, and we’re signing average players.
— sielenic (@sieleb10) July 18, 2024
Wahi’s season at Lens wasn’t particularly great
After scoring 19 goals in 33 appearances for Montpellier during the 2022/23 campaign, it wasn’t that surprising when Chelsea were linked with a move for the player last summer.
However, Wahi ultimately ended up moving to Lens for €30m but he hasn’t really lived up to expectations. He hit the back of the net just 12 times in all competitions.
Chelsea have considered pursuing more high-profile strikers
If Wahi is the only No.9 signed this summer, supporters would be very disappointed. Earlier this week, it was reported that deals for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins have been explored.
In terms of reputation, Wahi is by no means on the same level as those four names. Rather than challenging Nicolas Jackson for starts, he would almost certainly be recruited as an understudy.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here
