West Ham face the risk of missing out on Elye Wahi after Marseille made a £17.1 million bid for the Lens striker, according to Fabrice Hawkins.
The French journalist reported on X (7 August) that Marseille submitted an initial £17.1 million offer for the 21-year-old forward, which Lens rejected, as they had paid £25.7 million for Wahi just a year ago.
Lens are reluctant to take a loss on Wahi, who scored 12 goals in all competitions last season and has also attracted interest from West Ham and Leicester [L’Equipe, 30 July].
Despite the rejection of Marseille’s first bid, Wahi reportedly prefers a move to Marseille, making it less likely for West Ham to secure the French youth international.
**West Ham cannot afford to engage in Elye Wahi transfer battle**
The Hammers are actively rebuilding Julen Lopetegui’s squad this summer, and securing Wahi over Marseille and Leicester would underscore their ambitions.
However, paying more than £25 million for Wahi – a figure Lens insist on – is complicated by the recent arrival of Niclas Fullkrug at the London Stadium.
Fullkrug’s signing for a reported £27 million [BBC Sport] appears to have addressed West Ham’s need for a centre-forward, making a similar investment in Wahi unnecessary.
Lopetegui’s team cooled their interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran in favor of signing Fullkrug [Fabrizio Romano, 6 August], suggesting the transfer budget could be better utilized elsewhere rather than adding Wahi as competition.
There are still defensive issues to address before the transfer window closes, despite Lopetegui already having a strong attacking lineup with the addition of Crysencio Summerville.
Signing Wahi would only crowd an already talented attack, and considering Lens’ expected demand for the 21-year-old, the Hammers should look for other options as back-up to Fullkrug.
In other West Ham news, one player’s exit from the London Stadium could be complicated by his personal terms.
