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Arsenal, Newcastle United 'learn Elye Wahi asking price'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 May 2023

Arsenal, Newcastle 'learn Elye Wahi asking price'

Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly told to pay €40m (£34.8m) to sign in-demand Montpellier HSC striker Elye Wahi this summer.

Arsenal and Newcastle United have reportedly been warned that it will take a bid of at least €40m (£34.8m) to sign Montpellier HSC striker Elye Wahi this summer.

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the season in Ligue 1 with 17 goals and six assists from 31 top-flight appearances for Michel Der Zakarian's team.

Only five players have scored more French top-flight goals than Wahi this season, including Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun (19) and ex-Gunners captain Alexandre Lacazette (25).

Wahi and Lyon's Lacazette were recently at the centre of an extraordinary nine-goal affair in Ligue 1, where both players scored four goals in one game for their respective sides.

Wahi's quadruple was ultimately in vain as a Lacazette-inspired Lyon won 5-4, but the former became the first-ever Montpellier player to score four goals in one Ligue 1 match in the process.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts on May 14, 2023 © Reuters

The France Under-21 international is also just four goals off equalling Olivier Giroud's single-season record for Montpellier, with the ex-Arsenal striker managing 21 goals in La Paillade's triumphant 2011-12 campaign.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle are believed to be keeping tabs on Wahi's progress, and according to Foot Mercato, the Premier League duo have now learned the Frenchman's asking price.

With Wahi still contracted to Montpellier for another two years until 2025, a fee of €40m (£34.8m) could be required to prise him away from the Stade de la Mosson ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Der Zakarian's side are not expected to stand in Wahi's way of an exit if a suitable offer comes in, but Arsenal and Newcastle could face stiff European competition for his services.

All of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig are believed to have taken an interest in Wahi, who is highly unlikely to still be a Montpellier player next year.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe on April 2, 2023 © Reuters

The striker joined Montpellier's youth system in 2018 and has since represented the senior team on 89 occasions, scoring 30 goals and setting up nine more in the process.

Arsenal are already well-stocked with central attacking options in Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah, while Gabriel Martinelli can also deputise in the number nine role.

However, 19-goal Reims loanee Balogun is facing an uncertain future in the English capital, and he could depart the Emirates Stadium if he is not offered assurances over his game time.

Meanwhile, Newcastle currently have Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson jostling for position in the final third, but the latter turned 31 in February and is out of contract in 2024.