Former Chelsea target Elye Wahi. (Photo by SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Chelsea and West Ham United target Elye Wahi has completed his medical to join Ligue 1 club RC Lens for £30 million in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old had attracted interest from Premier League sides Chelsea and West Ham, but RC Lens were quick to land the promising French player from Montpellier. Wahi could have joined the Hammers as West Ham made a bid of £30 million for the youngster after the Blues had their offer turned down by French club Montpellier.
However, it would look like the youngster is keen to remain in Ligue 1 than move to London. Given his age and potential, there is no reason why a future transfer cannot materialise.
The 20-year-old came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Le Havre last week but has been omitted from Montpellier’s next game. Last season, the French player recorded 19 goals in 33 appearances, which saw his performance attract interest from top clubs.
Wahi also had doubts about the West Londoners sporting project, which saw the Blues lose out on his acquisition. West Ham thought they had a clear edge in signing the striker, but Lens acted quickly to land the youngster. The youngster might have proven himself in a different league but will now stay in France. He might have tested the waters at Chelsea and West Ham, two excellent potential clubs.
But that’s acceptable since he has a long way to go before hitting his peak. We all know how intense the Premier League is, where you have to make an immediate impression, and Chelsea currently requires that kind of striker as they have plenty of young players at their disposal. In Ligue 1, he can stat-pad and gain more experience before joining a top team.
Had he joined West Ham, it would have also been fine for him. There he would have worked under David Moyes, who could have helped nurture him into an elite striker. However, if Wahi can carry on his last season’s form, we can see him joining an elite club in the future.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…