Ligue 1 Matches > Olympique de Marseille > Marseille and Lens in a Tug-of-War Over Elye Wahi

Marseille and Lens in a Tug-of-War Over Elye Wahi

Utrecht, Netherlands. 27th July, 2024. UTRECHT, 27-07-2024, Sportcomplex Zoudenbalch, Friendly match, season 2024/2025, Football . Match between Utrecht and RC Lens . RC Lens player Elye Wahi (Photo by Pro Shots/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
© Alamy / Sipa US

Marseille and Lens are both eager to secure Elye Wahi’s transfer, but no agreement has been reached yet. The young French-Ivorian forward has been the center of attention in the transfer market, with both clubs keen on finalizing his transfer.

  • Lens’s latest offer of a loan with an option to buy for €26 million was rejected.
  • Marseille has Eddie Nketiah as a backup option, with Arsenal asking for €25 million.
  • Wahi’s career statistics include 47 goals and 17 assists in 141 appearances.

Elye Wahi: A Rising Star in French Football

Born on January 2, 2003, in Courcouronnes, France, Elye Wahi stands at 1.81 meters and primarily plays as a center-forward, but is versatile enough to operate as a right or left winger. He currently plies his trade at RC Lens, having joined the club on August 20, 2023, for a fee of €35 million from Montpellier. His contract with Lens runs until June 30, 2028.

Wahi’s career statistics speak volumes about his potential. With 141 total appearances, he has scored 47 goals and provided 17 assists. In Ligue 1, he boasts 24 goals and 12 assists in 112 appearances. He has also made his mark in the UEFA Champions League with 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 appearances. On the international stage, Wahi has represented France at various youth levels, including the U23, U21, U20, U19, U17, and U16 teams, scoring goals at several age levels.


Marseille’s Backup Plan: Eddie Nketiah

Should the Elye Wahi transfer fall through, Marseille has identified Eddie Nketiah as an alternative signing. Born on May 30, 1999, in Lewisham, England, Nketiah is a 1.75-meter-tall center-forward who currently plays for Arsenal FC. He joined Arsenal from Chelsea on a free transfer on July 1, 2015. His contract with Arsenal is set to expire on June 30, 2025.

Nketiah has made 125 total appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 8 assists. In the Premier League, he has netted 15 goals and contributed 5 assists in 85 appearances. He has also been prolific in the UEFA Europa League, scoring 10 goals and providing 2 assists in 20 appearances. Nketiah has an impressive record at the youth international level, particularly with England’s U21 team, where he has scored 16 goals in 17 appearances.

Transfer Market Dynamics

The transfer saga involving Elye Wahi and Eddie Nketiah is gaining momentum. Marseille and Lens are locked in negotiations to sign Wahi, who would be a valuable addition to either team given his goal-scoring prowess and versatility. However, Lens’s recent offer has been rejected, leaving the transfer in limbo.

On the other hand, Marseille is keeping a close eye on Eddie Nketiah as a backup option. With Arsenal demanding €25 million for the English striker, Marseille has a tough decision to make. Both players have the potential to significantly bolster Marseille’s attacking options, and the outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for the club’s strategy in the upcoming season.

For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Elye Wahi’s profile on Transfermarkt and Eddie Nketiah’s profile on Transfermarkt.

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