West Ham are focusing on a hopeless pursuit of star Jeremy Doku and it could cost them an exciting attacker as a clubs launch a late hijack.
West Ham are said to be closing on the signing of brilliant Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus.
And they’re not done there according to reports emerging overnight.
As we reported this morning, there are claims that West Ham will be pushing to sign Belgian sensation Jeremy Doku when they have got a deal finalised for Kudus.
West Ham fans are – understandably – very sceptical about talk of a move for Doku.
West Ham focusing on hopeless pursuit of star Jeremy Doku could cost them exciting attacker as clubs launch Elye Wahi hijack
This is one of the world’s most highly rated – and quickest – attacking starlets.
With Manchester City said to be seriously interested in the ridiculously talented 21-year-old Rennes winger and a reported valuation of over £80m on his head, any Hammers hopes of signing him look seriously limited.
West Ham have already wasted much of the summer transfer window chasing some unrealistic targets, players who don’t want to join and trying to do deals with clubs not interested in selling.
So supporters will justifiably question why West Ham are wasting their time going after someone like Doku.
And it appears that inevitably fruitless interest could have grave consequences for a deal that looked home and hosed.
Because West Ham focusing on hopeless pursuit of star Doku could cost them an exciting attacker as a clubs launch a late Elye Wahi hijack.
Doh-ku for West Ham’s Wahi hopes
Just 48 hours ago were reportedly closing in on the signing of Montpellier forward Wahi by managing to beat Chelsea to his signature.
As we reported here on Hammers News, Wahi visited Chelsea’s training ground recently ahead of an expected move to Stamford Bridge.
But the player had doubts over the project and game time he will get at Chelsea and has “chosen West Ham”.
On Wednesday evening Foot Mercato claimed the Hammers were in “direct contact” with Montpellier, who rejected a bid from Eintracht Frankfurt in anticipation of the offer from West Ham for the electric, jet-heeled 20-year-old striker.
Get French Football News has also summarised the current situation according to various French sources as West Ham closed in on a much-need striker signing.
But now that could be in jeopardy because of the club’s pursuit of Doku.
Lens and Frankfurt could take advantage of distracted Hammers says journalist
As reported by Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, West Ham’s focus on Doku has opened the door for Champions League Lens and Frankfurt are now seriously ramping up their efforts to sign Wahi.
“West Ham United will have to face strong competition in their pursuit of Montpellier’s young striker, Elye Wahi, as the transfer window draws to a close,” reports state.
“The Lens recruitment team has accelerated talks with Wahi in recent hours and is ready to pay up to the €35m (£30m) asking price for the 20-year-old player.
“Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in the striker. The German club are the most competitive for now after having a €28m (£23.8m) bid rejected by Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin but remain persistent in trying to find a deal with the Ligue 1 side.”
West Ham simply must sign a forward in this window. And the prospect of signing Wahi alongside Kudus was a mouthwatering one.
But barring a minor miracle, West Ham are chasing a lost cause going after Doku. And if it costs them on Wahi it will be a grave error in judgement.