Chelsea transfer target makes major DEMAND

Tom Weber

• 22 Jul 2023 10:17 BST
• 3 min read

Montpellier's Elye Wahi is not keen on being loaned out to Strasbourg in the event of signing for Chelsea, according to French media.

The 20-year-old has become one of Europe's most sought-after commodities in recent months after finishing the bygone Ligue 1 season with a more than solid return of 19 goals and six assists for mid-table Montpellier. Over the course of the season, his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) hit a peak of €20.1 million, illustrating just how good he was.

Chelsea are among Wahi's many suitors, but he is not in their immediate plans, if reports are to be believed. Instead of him suiting up for new boss Mauricio Pochettino next season, they plan on sending him out on loan to new sister club RC Strasbourg should they manage to strike a deal.

READ: PSG accuse Mbappe of 'SABOTAGE' as Saudi Pro League prepares transfer bid

Despite widespread fan protests when the takeover was announced, Strasbourg have already made good use of their fresh funds by shattering their transfer record on Club Brugge's Abakar Sylla, who set them back €20m, twice as much as what they had paid on their previous record signing.

Elye Wahi, however, has no intention of joining Strasbourg.

Keeping his options open

That's according to Footmercato, who claim that the 20-year-old "has made it known that he does not want to feature in the side of Strasbourg." Indeed, Wahi is said to be not particularly "thrilled" by the prospect of joining the Alsatians.

As of right now, the player is still keeping his options open and he has not yet made a definitive decision on his future. If the report from the French outlet is true, Chelsea will have to go back to the drawing board, but they can't drag their feet in making a new proposal.

READ: Becks cries, Serena stunned and Speed dumps Ronaldo – reaction to Messi’s Inter Miami debut

Eintracht Frankfurt have been previously linked with Wahi, and now it appears that Atletico Madrid are very keen on making a move, having already contacted Montpellier. "This destination interests the player," claims Footmercato.