West Ham’s renewed interest in Ely Wahi is a significant development in the club’s pursuit of a more dynamic and prolific striker to bolster their attacking options. According to L’Equipe, the Hammers have “concrete interest” in the French striker, even though his current club, Marseille, is reportedly hesitant to let him go. This comes after a summer of speculation when Wahi was a target for West Ham before making his move to Marseille. Despite his relatively modest tally of just three goals this season, Wahi has shown in the past that he has the potential to be a consistent goal-scorer, particularly with his strong performances at Montpellier, where he scored double-digit goals in back-to-back seasons.

At just 22 years old, Wahi is still in the early stages of his career, and his youth makes him an appealing option for a club like West Ham, which has struggled for years to find a reliable and youthful forward. This is especially true in light of their ongoing struggles in the striker department, a concern that has lingered for some time now. The injury to Niclas Füllkrug has only amplified the need for additional attacking options, and if West Ham is to seriously challenge for European spots and improve their offensive output, strengthening the forward line should be a top priority.

Despite his relatively quiet start to the season at Marseille, Wahi’s potential is clear. His past success in Ligue 1, including his ability to score goals in consecutive seasons at Montpellier, highlights his natural finishing ability and his adaptability to top-tier football. West Ham needs someone who can be a reliable source of goals, and Wahi has shown in the past that he can be that player. His age also means that he has ample room to develop further, something that could benefit the Hammers in the long term. Additionally, his potential to bring a youthful, energetic presence to the team is something that West Ham has been lacking in their forward line, which has often relied on older, more experienced players.

If West Ham are to secure Wahi, they may face some challenges. Marseille’s reluctance to part with the striker could mean that the Hammers will need to wait until January or even beyond to revisit this move. However, the January transfer window is notoriously unpredictable, and circumstances could change quickly. If West Ham can put together a compelling offer and persuade Marseille to let go of Wahi, it could be an excellent piece of business for the club. Given the pressing need for a clinical goal-scorer, Wahi could be the perfect fit, addressing a long-standing issue that has hindered the team’s attacking ambitions.

In summary, while Wahi’s current form may not scream urgency, his potential and the fact that he’s only 22 years old make him an attractive target for West Ham. If the opportunity arises, the Hammers would be wise to pursue this deal, as it could provide the youthful energy and goal-scoring ability they’ve desperately needed in recent seasons. His past performances in Ligue 1 prove he has the capability to thrive in a more competitive league, and with the right support and development, Wahi could become a key figure in West Ham’s future success. Whether or not this transfer comes to fruition will depend on various factors, but one thing is clear: if the Hammers are able to sign Wahi, it could mark a pivotal moment in their quest to strengthen their attacking options for the long term.