Arsenal and Newcastle interested in signing 20-year-old Ligue 1 forward: Reports

Arsenal and Newcastle United are among a slew of European clubs reportedly eager to make a move for highly-rated Montpellier striker Elye Wahi.

The 20-year-old recently grabbed headlines after scoring all four of his team's goals in their 5-4 Ligue 1 loss against Lyon on May 7. He now has 17 goals and five assists in 30 league games this season.

Wahi's performances haven't gone unnoticed. According to Foot Mercato (h/t Get France Football News), Arsenal, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, and RB Leipzig are all interested in signing him.

AS Monaco are apparently targeting the 20-year-old as a replacement for captain Wissam Ben Yedder (32), whose contract expires in June 2024. It remains to be seen if Montpellier will be able to hold on to their star forward for next season.

They have placed a €40 million price tag on Wahi and his contract, as per the aforementioned report, expires in the summer of 2026. Arsenal currently have Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah as their options at No. 9.

Folarin Balogun, 21, who has 18 league goals in 33 games for Stade Reims this season, is set to return to the Emirates at the end of his loan spell. Hence, Wahi would know that his chances of instant first-team football would be slim if he were to move to Arsenal.

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Arsenal star gives verdict on win against Newcastle United

A 2-0 Premier League loss against Newcastle United in May 2022 proved fatal to Arsenal's UEFA Champions League hopes last season.

They eventually finished fifth, just two points behind arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal had more than just the title race on their mind coming into the league clash against the Magpies on Sunday (May 7).

They wanted revenge, and they got it. The Gunners won 2-0 at St. James' Park to take them within one point of Manchester City. After the win, Aaron Ramsdale, who kept a clean sheet, said, via ESPN:

"Immense pride and relief, especially after what happened here last year. It wasn't mentioned up until the meeting before we left the hotel. The manager showed us the video [2-0 loss vs Newcastle in May 2022] of the documentary and we had a burning desire that it wouldn't be the same today."

They now have 81 points from 35 games but Manchester City still hold a one-point lead with a game in hand. Newcastle United's grip on third position, meanwhile, has grown weaker.

The Toons have 65 points from 34 matches, two more than Manchester United, who are fourth. Fifth-placed Liverpool are breathing down their necks. A streak of six wins in a row has seen Jurgen Klopp's side reach 62 points from 35 games.