Chelsea receive MAJOR transfer boost from Nigerian striker
Cameron Smith
- 13 Aug 2023 17:00 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Montpellier and France forward Sepe Elye Wahi have been handed a major boost following Akor Adams’ brace on the opening day of the Ligue 1 campaign.
Adams, 23, was signed by Montpellier from Norwegian side Lillestrom last week and he marked his debut for the club with two goals against Le Havre as Montpellier came from 1-0 down to pick up a 2-2 draw in their first game of the 2023-24 season.
Adams’ brace came within three minutes of each other, with the Nigerian scoring in the 58th and 60th minute, before Samuel Grandsir scored a 90th minute equaliser for newly-promoted Le Havre.
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The former Lillestrom forward was sent off on his final appearance for the Norwegian side, but he started life in France far better than the end to his playing career in Scandinavia.
His opening day display will have inadvertently helped Chelsea’s pursuit of Wahi as Montpellier will know they can rely on Adams to lead the line for them this campaign.
The west London club have been heavily linked with a move for Wahi this summer, as they continue to look to sign the best young talent in world football.
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The 21-year-old, who netted 19 Ligue 1 goals for Montpellier last season, is also a rumoured target of Tottenham’s but Chelsea are seen as favourites right now.
The Blues, however, would like to loan him out to their sister club Strasbourg for the 2023-24 campaign, which is an idea that Wahi isn’t a huge fan of. But, a move to Stamford Bridge is still on the cards.
Chelsea’s loan activity
Angelo Gabriel, one of Chelsea’s promising new summer signings, has already joined Strasbourg on loan, while Lesley Ugochukwu has also been linked with a loan to Strasbourg too.
Chelsea have loaned out David Datro Fofana to Union Berlin, Charlie Webster to Heerenveen, Gabriel Slonina to KAS Eupen, Omari Hutchinson to Ipswich, Dion Rankine to Exeter and Teddy Sharman-Lowe to Bromley so far this summer.
