Montpellier centre-forward Elye Wahi has reportedly decided to join West Ham this summer despite interest from Tottenham and Chelsea.
The 20-year-old scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 last season, along with making six assists and is only expected to improve as he gains experience.
David Moyes has already brought in James Ward-Prowse (£30m) and Edson Alvarez (£35m) this summer.
The manager wants to bring in a striker next, after selling Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta for £27m.
West Ham’s only options in the position, as it stands, are Danny Ings and Michail Antonio, who are both past their prime.
It now seems the Hammers are leading the race for Wahi, who is one of the most in-demand young attackers in Europe at the moment.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Tottenham have been pushing to sign Wahi after selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. That is because Ange Postecoglou doesn’t want to rely on Richarlison to lead the line for Spurs.
Chelsea also hold a firm interest in the striker, but Wahi is keen for first team opportunities in the Premier League, which he doesn’t believe he’ll get at Stamford Bridge.
With that in mind, it now seems West Ham are the favourites to sign him this summer.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Wahi has ‘decided to join West Ham’ despite Tottenham trying to sign him.
West Ham are yet to make a bid for the youngster, though, despite their interest. The report states that Montpellier value Wahi at approximately £35m and only one team have made an offer for him so far.
That team is Chelsea, who saw a €30m (approx. £25.7m) bid ‘refused’ by Montpellier on Sunday.
Even if the Blues did meet Wahi’s £35m price tag, the striker isn’t convinced by Mauricio Pochettino’s plan for him, which is reportedly to loan him out to Strasbourg this season.
As mentioned, Wahi wants first team opportunities and believes he can get that at West Ham.
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