Report: West Ham now ready bid for £39m striker who almost joined Arsenal last year

West Ham United will submit a bid in the next few hours for a very highly-rated striker on the continent.

The Hammers have made three additions so far this summer but Julen Lopetegui is still keen for further reinforcements.

They’re in the market for a central defender and are looking at a deal to sign AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, formerly of Chelsea.

West Ham also want a centre-forward and a fresh link has now emerged in their pursuit of one.

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West Ham want to sign Elye Wahi

According to French outlet L’Equipe, West Ham are in talks to sign Lens striker Elye Wahi, who was close to joining Arsenal last summer.

The 21-year-old has netted 31 goals over the last two seasons and is thought to be valued at around £39m by the Ligue 1 outfit.

The report further claims that The Hammers are expected to lodge a bid for the French youth international over the next few hours.

Though, they aren’t alone in their interest, as Leicester City are also keen on landing his signature and have a bid readied.

Elye Wahi statistics

Wahi only turned 21 in January but he’s already cemented himself as one of the best strikers in France, which his goal record amplifies.

The 2003-born is approaching a half-century of goals in Ligue 1 and got a taste of Champions League football last term, netting twice in six outings.

If he were to join the East Londoners, it’d be regarded as a real coup and one that could fire them into contention for a top-seven finish, which would likely be sufficient to return to European football.