CHELSEA have had a £24million bid for Elye Wahi rejected by Montpellier, according to reports.
The Blues are keen on the striker after he bagged 19 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
Wahi, 20, is believed to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and hopeful that the two clubs can reach an agreement.
According to the Standard, Chelsea have seen a formal £24m offer turned down by Montpellier chiefs.
The French youth international has two years remaining on his deal at Stade de la Mosson.
Should Chelsea manage to sign Wahi, he would likely head out on loan to Strasbourg.
The French side were taken over by BlueCo group earlier this year and are seen as a key factor in Chelsea’s multi-club vision.
Strasbourg are managed by Patrick Vieira and, like Montpellier, compete in Ligue 1.
The Blues face strong competition for Wahi’s signature.
According to The Athletic, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are admirers of the France Under-21 star’s talents.
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While Montpellier-based paper Midi Libre claim that Tottenham are preparing a bid.
Wahi is eager to join Chelsea, but French outlet Foot Mercato reported last week that he is not keen on being loaned to Strasbourg.
Prior to their failed Wahi bid, the Blues had an £80m offer for Brighton star Moises Caicedo turned down by the Seagulls.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are reportedly holding out for £100m, despite the Ecuadorian’s desire to leave.
Chelsea have undergone a huge clearout this summer, although boss Mauricio Pochettino still took 29 players on their pre-season tour of the US.
The Argentine is not happy with his bloated team, and has warned that Chelsea need to find the right “balance”.
He said: “We are 29 players here and the squad is massive. It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who can play and can compete for their place.
“That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window, to build a good relationship and good balance. If players are not happy because they believe they are not going to play, we are going to find a solution with the club and fix the situation.
“We cannot have a massive squad, players not involved, then it’s going to create a mess. Maybe less is more and more is less. That is why I need to make clear – we don’t need a big squad.
“We need 22, 23, 24 players with some younger, and that’s it. I am so sorry because maybe the decision will be tough, but we need to build a good and balanced team who want to compete for things.”
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