West Ham initiate contact with Marseille over loan move for Elye Wahi | OneFootball

West Ham United have reignited their interest in Olympique Marseille striker Elye Wahi.

According to French publication L’Equipe, the Hammers have reached out to their Ligue 1 counterparts to open talks over a potential deal.

West Ham are long-term admirers of the talented striker and were one of several clubs on his heels before he moved to Marseille last summer.

The Hammers are back in the market for a striker and are keen to land the Frenchman at the second time of asking. The deal is a bit tricky as Marseille are not pushing for a sale.

Wahi has struggled to find his feet in Marseille since his £25 million move from Lens, producing just three goals and an assist in 13 Ligue 1 outings.

Marseille want to keep him, but they could consider a sale if the striker pushes for a mid-season exit.

West Ham are looking to strike an initial loan deal with a mandatory purchase option worth £21m if certain conditions are met.

Marseille are wary of selling a promising player who still has four years left on his contract, but West Ham want to lure him away this month.

Wahi is a risk worth taking for West Ham

Wahi burst onto the scene when he netted ten goals in 33 games for Montpellier in 2021/22, but he became a highly sought-after prospect after his 19-goal haul the following season.

He has struggled to live up to expectations since, notching 12 goals in 37 games for Lens before joining Marseille.

West Ham undoubtedly need a proven goalscorer, but Wahi is a talent who could develop into a decent striker if given the right platform to thrive.

New West Ham manager Graham Potter is familiar with working with young strikers. His influence on Evan Ferguson comes to mind, and he could have a similar impact on Wahi.

Wahi is a risk worth taking, but West Ham would be wise not to put their goalscoring burden on the 22-year-old before he’s had time to settle.