Chelsea are closing on a deal to sign Montpellier forward Elye Wahi, who is likely to join Strasbourg on loan.
Inter Milan are also thought to be interested, but the Blues remain confident they can secure Wahi’s signature.
The 20-year-old impressed last season with 19 Ligue 1 goals, including four in 15 minutes during one appearance against Lyon.
He is one of only two players to score 20 goals in the French top flight as a teenager in the past 40 years. The other is Kylian Mbappe.
If he does join Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Wahi is expected to be loaned out to Strasbourg – a club they bought a majority stake in last month.
He would become the new manager’s fifth signing since taking over, and could be an exciting option in the future for a club who have struggled up front in recent years.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recently left Stamford Bridge after a disappointing season at the club, while Romelu Lukaku is also expected to go this summer after he was not included on the Blues’ pre-season tour of America.
Nicolas Jackson is one option up front after arriving from Villareal for £31 million, and the Senegal international bagged his first Chelsea goal in a pre-season friendly against Brighton on Sunday.
Christopher Nkunku is another option after arriving this summer for £53m, but is a versatile forward who will play across the front line rather than a genuine number nine.
The Blues will kick off their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a tough home game against Liverpool on August 13.
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