Former French international footballer and 1998 World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu has encouraged Montpellier forward, Elye Wahi, to consider a move to Arsenal.

Montpellier's French forward Elye Wahi (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 12, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French forward Elye Wahi (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 12, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Elye Wahi has caught the attention of big clubs, including Arsenal, due to his impressive performances in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 21 games.

Wahi is considered a ‘precocious’ young talent and has earned three caps with France’s U21 team. Speaking to the media, Lizarazu said he believes that Wahi has great athletic qualities, speed, and goal-scoring ability and could progress further in his career by making the right choices about where he goes next.

When asked about Wahi and his future prospects, Lizarazu said, “If he makes the right choices, when I hear Arsenal or Dortmund, I think that it would be a good choice for a young player to go to those clubs, to progress some more.

“Even if with Montpellier, he’s already improved enormously. It’s rare to see such young and precocious forwards, but that’s the case these days, and there’s a next level to go get, abroad, probably.”

Arsenal have a long history of developing French talent, and the club’s interest in Wahi was reported early on in the January transfer window.

The Gunners could provide Wahi with the platform to develop and improve his skills, just as they have done with many French players in the past, such as Nicolas Anelka, Patrick Vieira, and Thierry Henry.

However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will pursue their interest in Wahi in the summer window.

Regardless, Lizarazu’s endorsement of the Gunners as a good choice for young players like Wahi could influence the forward’s decision-making process as he weighs up his future options.

Who is Elye Wahi?

Montpellier's French forward Elye Wahi celebrates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 12, 2023. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French forward Elye Wahi celebrates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 12, 2023. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Elye Wahi is a 20-year-old French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Montpellier in Ligue 1. He was born on February 26, 2004, in Saint-Gratien, France.

Wahi joined Montpellier’s youth academy in 2016 and made his professional debut in December 2021.

Wahi has made 21 appearances in Ligue 1 this season and has scored eight goals and provided two assists.

He has also earned three caps for France’s U21 team. Wahi is considered a one of the most exciting young talents in French football and has attracted the attention of big clubs, including Arsenal, due to his impressive performances this season.

His speed, athleticism, and goal-scoring ability have caught the eye of many scouts and pundits alike, who believe he has the potential to become a top-class player in the future.

Wahi’s contract with Montpellier expires in 2025 and he is currently said to have a market value in the region of €18m.