Chelsea & West Ham miss out on French striker

Chelsea and West Ham United have missed out on signing Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman had a superb 2022/23 season in Ligue 1, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists from 33 appearances.

Chelsea were initially interested in signing him from the French outfit, but they were reluctant to meet the €35m price tag.

Meanwhile, Wahi was also reluctant to consider a transfer, given they were likely to loan him out to sister club Strasbourg.

West Ham United recently entered advanced talks with Montpellier for the marksman, but RC Lens have now won the race.

Lens will be playing in the Champions League after their runners-up finish in Ligue 1 and Wahi has been persuaded to join them.

He is likely to be a regular starter for the club. They recently parted ways with Lois Openda, who joined Leipzig for €38m.

The club have spent the majority of the sum to purchase Wahi, who could use them as a stepping stone for a bigger move.