Chelsea might not be able to secure the services of striker prospect Elye Wahi, as the Montpellier talent reportedly favours a transfer to West Ham United, according to Foot Mercato.
Despite competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, and Eintracht Frankfurt, Chelsea initially seemed like the leading contenders to sign the young French player. They had presented an offer to Montpellier.
Wahi is showing a lack of enthusiasm for a transfer to Stamford Bridge, instead expressing a preference for a move to West Ham.
This preference might be due to Chelsea’s plan of loaning the 20-year-old to their affiliate club Strasbourg.
Wahi has communicated to his current club his desire to join the Hammers, who are preparing to submit an offer of close to €35 million.
Must Read: Leicester City set to sign Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei on loan
With Gianluca Scamacca’s departure to Atalanta and Michail Antonio also linked with an exit, David Moyes is seeking a new centre-forward for West Ham. Antonio has been linked with a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wahi rose to prominence through an impressive performance in the previous season, amassing 19 goals and five assists in Ligue 1.
West Ham are capturing attention with their ambitious pursuits in the transfer market, reflecting Moyes’ goal to build a strong squad capable of excelling in various competitions.
Despite the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a record sum, the club has made strategic investments in Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.
Also Read: Chelsea finally announce the signing of Ecuadorian star Moises Caicedo
More financial gains are on the horizon, as Lucas Paqueta is strongly linked with a transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Alongside Wahi, West Ham have identified Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and Jeremy Doku from Rennes as potential targets. It’s worth noting that Doku is also being pursued by Manchester City.
