Chelsea are allegedly considering whether to make a formal approach for Montpellier HSC forward Elye Wahi.
Since the end of the season, the focus of the Blues' hierarchy has been to ensure that they meet all regulations with regards to FFP in the Premier League.
With a guaranteed £200-plus having been generated from player sales, as well as their wages coming off the outgoings, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital appear to have achieved that particular objective.
While more sales will follow in due course, Mauricio Pochettino will be more interested in fresh faces arriving at Stamford Bridge before the start of 2023-24.
Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have already been acquired to bolster his attacking ranks, with priority now switching to signing another world-class central midfielder.
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Nevertheless, according to L'Equipe, Chelsea are currently the frontrunners in the race to secure a deal for Wahi.
The 20-year-old has just enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Ligue 1, contributing 19 goals and five assists from 33 appearances for a team that finished in 12th position.
Wahi was subsequently called up to France's squad for the Under-21 European Championship, where he was provided with three outings off the substitutes' bench.
Although the prospect failed to make an impact in that tournament, his stock remains high, particularly when just two years remain on his Montpellier contract.
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Chelsea seemingly want to try to take advantage of the situation, it unclear whether Wahi would immediately become a first-team player or sent out on loan.
When only counting players who are likely to feature in Pochettino's squad, Chelsea have six options for the four slots if the Argentine goes with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Despite being a natural central forward, Wahi is also capable of playing on the flanks, his versatility potentially acting to convince Chelsea to press ahead with an offer.
Premier League runners-up Arsenal are also said to be monitoring the situation at a time when they are expected to move past the £200m-mark for incomings this summer through signing Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.
Darren Plant
