West Ham United want to seal Elye Wahi transfer by start of next week
West Ham United want to close the signing of Montpellier striker Elye Wahi by the start of next week despite interest elsewhere, according to Ignazio Genuardi.
According to the Foot365 journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (18 August), Hammers boss David Moyes is actively working to close the deal and there is a desire to seal Wahi’s signing in the next few days.
This news comes after RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins (18 August) reported that West Ham have almost reached an agreement with Montpellier in a potential £34m deal, with the player’s decision on his next destination “imminent”.
Wahi is expected to miss Montpellier’s Ligue 1 game against Lyon on Saturday 19 August, according to French journalist Sebastien Denis (18 August) as he closes in on a transfer away from the club.
And according to Genuardi, West Ham are actively pushing to close the deal within the next few days, despite Lens’ interest.
He tweeted: “Lens is obviously one of the candidates in the race, but the training managed by Moyes is active with the desire to close the deal by the start of the pro week.”
Strong desire
Given the increasing interest in Wahi after Lens joined West Ham United, Chelsea and Eintracht Frankfurt in the race for his signature, the Hammers are certainly signifying their intentions with this latest transfer push.
Following the exit of Gianluca Scamacca, and Michail Antonio’s uncertain future right now, the Irons’ need for a striker couldn’t be more clearer and Wahi certainly represents an excellent profile to pursue.
However, as suggested by reports in France, the decision rests with the youngster and where he sees his next destination and what a statement it could should West Ham United become his chosen club.
After strengthening their midfield weaponry with the Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse additions, the Hammers are absolutely right to prioritise the signing of Wahi who is an incredibly exciting prospect after proving himself in Ligue 1 with Montpellier to place a number of clubs on high alert about his availability.
Despite only being 20 years old, the “prolific” French U-21 international has made 92 appearances for La Paillade and scored an impressive 19 goals in 33 games last season, while also registering six assists, marking him out to be one of the best young complete centre-forward packages on the continent.
With technical director Tim Steidten personally driving this deal, it won’t be a surprise to see Wahi wearing the West Ham United jersey before long.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have entered the race to sign this incredibly gifted Portuguese attacker.