That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea and Elye Wahi? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to Tutto Mercato Web – Chelsea were hoping to have the Frenchman signed by the end of this week, after sending a £35m bid to Montpellier.
However, that has not worked out for the Blues, as those at Stamford Bridge are yet to reach an agreement with the Ligue 1 side.
The deal actually seemed to be in jeopardy at one stage, as L’Equipe claimed that Wahi was not too keen on Chelsea’s idea of an immediate loan to Strasbourg, and Crystal Palace sent an offer to Montpellier.
Now – however – negotiations seem to be back on track.
Romano believes a new round of talks have been scheduled with Montpellier, and Chelsea are getting closer to striking a deal with the French outfit.
Chelsea still intend to loan Wahi out, and are planning to intensify talks next week.
Romano states that Chelsea are worried about competitors pinching the 20-year-old from their grasp, so the priority is to get a deal wrapped up as soon as possible.
Chelsea could sign the next Thierry Henry in Elye Wahi
You may not know much about Wahi – who scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 last season – so a comparison could help.
Interestingly, the France Under-21 international has been likened to none other than Thierry Henry, as detailed by FourFourTwo.
The 45-year-old made a name for himself in England with Arsenal, scoring 175 goals in 258 Premier League appearances as he fired the Gunners to the Premier League title on two occasions.
Wahi has been compared to Henry due to his tendency to cut inside from the left flank onto his stronger right foot, where he often opens up his body to bend a curled finish into the far corner, which was the Arsenal legend’s trademark.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea attempt to sign another genuine wonderkid after wrapping up deals for Nicolas Jackson and Angelo Gabriel.