Chelsea could MISS OUT on wonderkid transfer because of HORRIFIC injury
AS Monaco could revive their interest in Chelsea target Elye Wahi, according to French media.
The Ligue 1 outfit will be forced to dip into the market for an attacking player after announcing that Swiss international Breel Embolo has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture that will sideline him for several months.
Monaco were previously credited with an interest in Montpellier wonderkid Elye Wahi, but those rumours eventually dissipated as Chelsea's courting of the 20-year-old became more concrete.
Indeed, the Blues are still keen on striking a deal for the Wahi, who scored a sensational 19 goals and provided six assists for Montpellier last term. The expectation is that the talented forward will depart this summer, but his destination is not set in stone yet.
READ: Chelsea INTENSIFY pursuit of top transfer target
Club president Louis Nicollin said at the beginning of August: "We [Montpellier and Wahi] agreed on an exit. We’ll think about it if the league starts and maybe we’ll set a deadline. There’s a month left of the transfer window. We’ve said certain things to each other.
“He’s training; we’ll see with him. If there’s nothing come the 20th or the 25th of August, we aren’t more stupid than anyone else; we’ll talk; he’ll be available for the first team."
Forward options
Chelsea would sign Wahi as one for the future, loaning him to new sister club Strasbourg for the time being. French media, however, has previously reported that the 20-year-old is not keen on lining up for Todd Boehly's other team.
Monaco are not only posing a potential hijack threat for Chelsea's Elye Wahi move. The two clubs are also going head to head for the signature of Deivid Washington, according to Footmercato.
READ: Fabrizio Romano gives important Chelsea transfer update
The Ligue 1 club have also been eyeing Folarin Balogun as a potential option, but their advances were rebuffed by Arsenal, reports The Athletic.