Montpellier’s president confirms rejecting a €25m bid for star forward Elye Wahi. What does this mean for interested parties like Arsenal? Find out here.

Arsenal transfers - Montpellier's French forward Elye Wahi celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on May 7, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French forward Elye Wahi celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on May 7, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Elye Wahi has had a breakout season with Montpellier, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists.
  • Montpellier’s president Laurent Nicollin confirmed the club rejected a €25m bid for Wahi from an unnamed Premier League club.
  • Arsenal, among other clubs, have shown a keen interest in Wahi and could potentially make a move for the player.

Montpellier’s president Laurent Nicollin recently confirmed that he had turned down a €25m bid plus bonuses from an English club for free-scoring forward Elye Wahi.

The 20-year-old, who has been in sensational form this season, is attracting attention from several clubs, including Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool.

Wahi’s sensational season

Wahi has been a revelation this season, netting 17 league goals and providing four assists for his Ligue 1 side.

Last week, he scored four goals in a single match against Lyon. Despite his young age, Wahi’s exceptional talent and potential have put him on the radar of several big European clubs.

The rejection of a €25m bid for Wahi has set a clear stance from Montpellier.

In a conversation with L’Equipe, Nicollin said, “We are in talks with his agents. We will open the door if we obtain the desired amount, otherwise, he will play one more season here.”

Arsenal transfers - Montpellier's French forward Elye Wahi celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on May 7, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French forward Elye Wahi celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Montpellier Herault SC at The Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France on May 7, 2023. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

The president added that he believes Wahi has the potential to play for Europe’s top clubs.

Among the interested parties is Arsenal, who have been following Wahi for several months.

Their interest reportedly intensified recently, with scouts attending the Lyon-Montpellier game where Wahi scored a quadruple.

Given Arsenal’s history of nurturing young talent, the Gunners could be an ideal destination for the French forward.

However, Wahi himself has expressed a preference for remaining in Ligue 1, stating in an interview with France Bleu Herault that he doesn’t want to skip stages and wishes to go step by step.

This sentiment could influence his decision, but the allure of the Premier League and clubs like Arsenal is undeniable.

Should Arsenal decide to pursue Wahi, they will have to navigate Montpellier’s firm stance on his value. The club is seemingly open to negotiations but is not willing to part with their star forward without the right price.

Arsenal’s track record suggests that they could be willing to invest in a young talent with as much promise as Wahi.