New Chelsea signing already told to LEAVE as former transfer target approached

Suraj Radia

Updated: 18 Jul 2024 19:35 BST
3 min read

One of Enzo Maresca’s first summer signings could already be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea reportedly turning to a former target to solve their striker issues.

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Chelsea have continued their trend under Todd Boehly of being active in the transfer market, having already signed five players this summer.

However, the Blues still have concerns over their striker position, with strength and quality in depth for Nicolas Jackson still being explored despite signing Marc Guiu from Barcelona.

Guiu was anticipated to be a part of Chelsea’s first team after his €6 million transfer but the 18-year-old has now been told by Maresca to go out on loan to Espanyol, according to Spanish outlet Esport3 (via SPORT).

Having only played three times in the top flight for Barca, Maresca’s recommendation for Guiu to seek regular first team football is unsurprising, however it does leave Chelsea still in search of their alternative to Jackson.

And that search appears to be coming into familiar territory, with L’Equipe claiming that Chelsea have approached Lens over striker Elye Wahi, who had previously been in talks to join the Blues last summer.

© IMAGO - Elye Wahi was close to joining Chelsea last summer.

Chelsea turn to former transfer target

Wahi only joins Lens last year from Montpellier for €30 million after Chelsea opted against signing him, partially due to some backlash after a previous controversial issue during the 21-year-old’s youth career.

Chelsea’s plan was initially to loan Wahi to sister club Strasbourg, however he pushed for a move to Lens instead, where he played Champions League football last season and scored 12 goals in 36 league games.

STATS

Elye Wahi

F (CL)

Lens

Elye Wahi

F (CL)

Lens

37

Games
12

Goals
4

Assists

Wahi is said to be open to leaving Lens already and Chelsea have ‘come forward’ over a deal, with one other club also said to be interested, however no formal offers have been made.

Victor Osimhen was considered Chelsea’s top target going into the summer but Napoli’s asking price of around €100m made the deal a non-starter and the Nigerian now looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

Osimhen’s transfer to PSG would allow Napoli to complete a deal for Romelu Lukaku and the Belgian’s departure could open the door for a transfer for Wahi if the price is right.