Olympique Marseille signs Eyle Wahi from RC Lens, abandons Nketiah’s deal

Olympique de Marseille has dropped out of the race to sign Arsenal forward, Eddie Nketiah, following the signing of Elye Wahi from Ligue 1 rival, Racing Club de Lens for €25m, with €5m add ons.

Roberto de Zerbi’s Marseille, having informed Arsenal that Eddie Nketiah’s deal can be considered 100% off, offered Wahi, a five year deal which he agreed after making efforts to accept Marseille’s project.

With less than a week remaining before the start of the new campaign, Marseille have been looking for ways to fill the void left by the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Having already secured the services of former Manchester United prodigy, Mason Greenwood this summer, they were hoping to add fellow Englishman, Nketiah but faced rejections from Arsenal despite the green light from the player.

Their search of a replacement for the Gabonese international has been far from straightforward with the club meeting significant blocks as they tried to secure any of Wahi, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah, and Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko.

Before the signing of Wahi, Marseille have initially submitted a first offer of €20m to Lens for his services, but have had their bid rejected despite the France U21 international already reaching an agreement on personal terms with OM.

Following the rejection of Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund for the sale of Nketiah and Moukoko respectively, Marseille sealed the signing of Wahi. However, RC Lens will have 15% sell-on clause.

Elye Wahi have had an impressive season with Lens, scoring 12 goals in 36 games, in his only season with the club, having signed from Montpellier in August, 2023.

The French striker has attracted several interest of clubs from around Europe including Chelsea, West Ham United and Leicester, following his impressive run with Montpellier and Lens

However, the OM new signing will be hoping to establish a solid partnership with fellow new signing, Mason Greenwood, as Marseille will want to reclaim their spot in the European competition, having finished in the 8th position last season.

Marseille will also kick start their Ligue 1 season away at Brest this Saturday.