Jorge Mendes ‘guiding’ Wolves to signing 19-goal attacker - but Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal swoop

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly being aided in their pursuit of Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, who has been heavily linked with Premier League title challengers Arsenal.

Still just 20 years of age and the scorer of 19 goals in just 33 league appearances last term, Wahi was one of the shining stars in Ligue 1 and has gained the attention of clubs all across Europe as a result.

French journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter reports Wolves have a genuine interest in the forward and are, rather crucially, set to be guided by super agent Jorge Mendes to fend off rival clubs.

It’s claimed Mendes, who was implemented as an agent for Wolves when Fosun International took over in 2016, is “keeping a hand on the file” for Wahi, giving Wanderers a “shot in the background”.

It will of course be difficult to beat Arsenal to the player’s signature and the funds from Ruben Neves’ departure will undoubtedly take a big hit, but with the help of Mendes, it could theoretically be pulled off.

The Gunners are also fully focused on capturing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz as it stands, meaning Wolves could swoop in the meantime. Wahi is expected to cost upwards of £25 million.

Who is Elye Wahi?

A graduate of the Montpellier youth academy, Wahi has enjoyed two-and-a-half highly successful seasons in the French top flight and is now the subject of interest across the continent.

Wahi scored three goals in 18 games throughout his debut campaign in Ligue 1, though many of these were bench appearances. The forward then netted 10 times in 33 matches during the 2021/22 term.

His most clinical season by far, though, was his last as he scored 19 and assisted six in 33 fixtures. Wahi’s scintillating form has since gained him a call-up to the France U21 squad.