West Ham United want to sign Elye Wahi to replace Michail Antonio amid Saudi links
West Ham want to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi as a replacement for Michail Antonio if he heads to Saudi Arabia, according to 90min.
Writing on their official website (21 July), the news outlet report that the Hammers have their eye on the Ligue 1 forward to bolster their attacking options should 33-year-old Antonio leave.
Sky Sports are reporting the club are in “very early” talks with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq over a move for Antonio, and now Wahi has emerged as a target although there is a host of competition for his signature including Chelsea,
“90min understands that West Ham are also eyeing a move for in-demand Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, as they anticipate a bid coming in for Michail Antonio from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard,” they wrote.
“Wahi is a prolific young striker who has enjoyed two breakout years at Montpellier. He scored 19 Ligue 1 goals last season as the club comfortably saw off the threat of relegation, and has held talks with Chelsea over a potential move this summer.
“Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have also watched the 20-year-old while Eintracht Frankfurt see him as the perfect replacement for Randal Kolo Muani, who has been linked with a host of big clubs.
“Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Wolves have also shown interest, while Lazio and Union Berlin are admirers in Italy and Germany respectively.”
Exciting
Much like when the club signed Gianluca Scamacca last year, there should be a lot of excitement about this transfer if it does indeed happen.
Wahi hit 19 goals in Ligue 1 last season, something only six forwards bettered and at just 20-years-old there is plenty of room for improvement.
One issue could be that he is clearly keen on regular football rather than being a bit-part player, and it’s hard to know if he is ready for that in the Premier League and Europa League at this stage.
Scamacca could well be on his way out too, while Danny Ings has hardly pulled up any trees since joining and could potentially leave also, leaving a clear path for Wahi to make a name for himself.
It will be an interesting battle to watch from the sides, but with so much competition the Hammers should probably move quickly if they are serious about getting this one over the line.
In other West Ham news, Nayef Aguerd recommendation lined up to replace veteran ace at London Stadium.