Marseille shifts attention to Wahi, opting out of the race for Nketiah

Latest updates from France say Olympique de Marseille have decided not to go after Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah due to the difference in valuation of the Englishman, shifting their attention to RC Lens’ Elye Wahi.

According to L’Équipe, they have opened negotiations with Lens for the former Montpellier striker. It was gathered that he wants to leave Northern France and is excited about the prospect of a move to Les Phocéens this summer.

This follows an agreement with Lens that he will be able to leave the Stade Bollaert-Delelis during the summer transfer window, which has attracted the interest of several clubs from around Europe, including Chelsea, West Ham United, and Leicester.

Marseille are now at the front of the queue for the 21-year-old and has submitted a first offer to Les Sang et Or. The first offer reportedly received by Lens for Wahi is in the region of €20m.

L’Équipe further reported that the France U21 international has already reached an agreement on personal terms with OM. With the look of things, Lens might have to accept the offer and get a suitable replacement for the young striker who wants to experience another season in the UEFA Champions League.

In another development, Marseille are also planning reinforcements in their goalkeeping department as they are close to reaching an agreement with Ajax for Argentine international Gerónimo Rullli.

Since Roberto De Zerbi took over, he has been on the lookout for a replacement for out-of-favour starting goalkeeper Pau López. Les Phocéens have been linked with Filip Jörgensen, Álvaro Valles, Brice Samba, and Illan Meslier.

L’Equipe has confirmed that the club has now settled on bringing in the former Real Sociedad and Villarreal goalkeeper, who will have some familiarity playing in France, having just spent the last couple of weeks competing for Argentina at the Paris Olympics. 

Marseille have already contacted Ajax, as Foot Mercato reported that the two clubs were very close to agreeing on a deal, and it is only a matter of time before the Argentine signs.