West Ham transfer news as talks open for Elye Wahi move
West Ham have opened talks with French club Montpellier over a deal for striker Elye Wahi, who has been described as one of the “best young strikers in Europe”, according to TEAMtalk.
The publication shared on 10 August that technical director Tim Steidten wants to bring Wahi in to replace Gianluca Scamacca, who has left the club to join Atalanta, and Michail Antonio who is attracting plenty of interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia.
Wahi has been looked at closely by Arsenal, while Chelsea made bids to secure his services, but they planned to loan him out which has put the Frenchman off of a move to Stamford Bridge.
One to watch
West Ham’s move to bring Wahi to East London will certainly be one to watch as the transfer window draws to a close. The closer we get to deadline day on 1 September, the more clubs will make last-ditch attempts to lure players in, and Wahi could be one of them after being linked with a move all summer.
The 20-year-old striker has been linked to some of the Premier League’s top clubs, and for good reason, as he ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals when compared to strikers in Europe’s top five leagues [FBref].
His 19 goals and six assists in Ligue 1 last year firmly cemented the Frenchman as one of Europe’s most exciting young players, and if West Ham can pull this deal off, he will certainly be watched intently by fans.
The Hammers have been looking to bring another striker to the club this summer after they were also linked to Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, Venezia forward Joel Pohjanpalo, and Flamengo striker Pedro.
Scamacca’s exit has left West Ham short up front, and should Antonio pursue a move away with interest from Leeds, Everton, Celtic and Saudi Arabia all reported, the need for a striker will become desperate.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes is looking to sign a new Premier League attacker.