Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah reacts at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 26, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal chase ends as Marseille sign forward for €25m+

Aug 18, 2024

Marseille‘s chase for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah seems to have officially ended with the French club signing Elye Wahi from RC Lens for a reported €25 million plus add-ons.

This move comes after reports indicated that Marseille was unwilling to meet Arsenal’s asking price of €30 million + for Nketiah, opting for a slightly more affordable option in Wahi.

Lens' French forward #09 Elye Wahi celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B first leg football match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at the Bollaert Stadium in Lens, northern France, on October 3, 2023. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET / AFP) (Photo by DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images) — Lens’ French forward #09 Elye Wahi celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B first leg football match between RC Lens and Arsenal FC at the Bollaert Stadium in Lens, northern France, on October 3, 2023. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET / AFP) (Photo by DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images)

Just last week, it seemed that Nketiah’s departure to Marseille was imminent, with Arsenal reportedly ready to sanction a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for around €30m. However, Marseille balked at the price tag, despite Nketiah already agreeing to a five-year contract with the club.

After having at least two bids rejected by Arsenal, Marseille has quickly secured the services of Wahi, a promising young forward who scored 12 goals in 37 appearances after his move to Lens from Montpellier at the start of last season. Wahi will wear the number nine shirt and is expected to lead the line for Marseille under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.

While Wahi may not have been Marseille’s first choice to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the club is confident that he has the potential to develop into a top striker, according to GFFN.

This signing signals the end of Marseille’s pursuit of Nketiah, as Arsenal held firm on their valuation of the young English forward.

Now, it remains to be seen if another club will come forward. Crystal Palace are rumoured to be interested after Bournemouth also looked elsewhere.