Arsenal have been told that Montpellier striker Elye Wahi is worth a significant transfer fee in the region of €25-30m as the 20-year-old continues his impressive season in Ligue 1.
Both Arsenal and north London rivals Tottenham have been linked with Elye Wahi, who has scored 12 goals in 24 games this season for Montpellier and is pushing for his senior France debut.
Wahi is making a name for himself in Europe, becoming only the second teenager after Kylian Mbappe to score 20 Ligue 1 goals.
Montpellier manager Michel de Zakarian believes the forward can make the leap to the Premier League.
“The kid, he’s 20, and full of talent,” De Zakarian told France Bleu, via Evening Standard.
“That costs a lot. For me, [he’s worth a] minimum €25-30m. When you see the TV rights over there, England can buy him. It’s easier for them.”
De Zakarian also emphasised that Wahi needs to improve his work rate and stamina to reach his full potential.
“He needs to run a lot more, always be moving and be in a position to repeat the efforts. He’s a sprinter, he goes really quickly, but sometimes he’s knackered after 45 minutes. He needs to work a bit better, that’s training every day. If he wants to play in a big club and play with great players, he needs to work hard.”
Wahi himself has recently expressed his preference to remain in Ligue 1, but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from keeping a close eye on the young talent.
Former French international and 1998 World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu has encouraged Wahi to consider a move to Arsenal, suggesting that the Gunners have a proven track record of developing French talents.
Arsenal’s interest in Wahi has been reported since early 2021, and with the summer transfer window approaching, they could make a move for the Montpellier star.
The club is well known for nurturing French talents like Nicolas Anelka, Patrick Vieira, and Thierry Henry, and Lizarazu’s endorsement of Arsenal as a good destination for Wahi could play a part in the young forward’s decision-making process.
Wahi has also earned three caps for France’s U21 team, scoring one goal, and is considered one of the most exciting young talents in French football.
His contract with Montpellier runs until 2025, and he is currently valued at around €18m.