Elye Wahi has now revealed why he rejected a move to Chelsea this summer in favour of joining RC Lens.
The France Under-21 international spoke to L’Equipe about his decision.
So, what did Elye Wahi say about Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to the Evening Standard – Chelsea made a £24m bid for the Frenchman this summer.
However, Wahi eventually moved to RC Lens in a £30m switch from Montpellier.
When asked why he decided to reject Chelsea – and also Eintracht Frankfurt – the striker said: “Chelsea – I didn’t want to go there just for the sake of it. Frankfurt was close, more so than Chelsea.
“I spoke with the manager there (Dino Toppmöller). He speaks French and that was important for me. They had to wait for Randal Kolo Muani’s departure and waiting for it was too complicated. I don’t have any regrets.”
Wahi is yet to score or provide an assist in his three Ligue 1 appearances for RC Lens so far this season.
Elye Wahi comments provide some reasons for Chelsea to be concerned
There was a time where, if Chelsea bid £24m for a 20-year-old striker, the deal was practically done as soon as the offer arrived.
Now – however – it is slightly concerning that a talent like Wahi had second thoughts about joining Chelsea.
It suggests that some of Europe’s elite prospects are not supportive of Todd Boehly’s project at Stamford Bridge, and that is fair enough given the poor results suffered under the American so far.
On the flip side, RC Lens are in the UEFA Champions League this season, and are able to make Wahi their talisman after losing Lois Openda to RB Leipzig, so that is perhaps another reason why Chelsea lost out.
Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino was given another top talent to lead his attack in Nicolas Jackson, and the Senegal international has looked very dangerous so far in just a handful of appearances.
Therefore, Chelsea fans shouldn’t be too upset about missing out on Wahi.
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