West Ham United are reportedly on the brink of beating Chelsea in the race to sign Montpellier HSC forward Elye Wahi.
The 20-year-old has established himself as one of the top prospects in European football with two impressive campaigns in Ligue 1.
A total of 29 goals and eight assists have been recorded in 66 matches, a return that has also earned him recognition with France Under-21s.
Such form has resulted in widespread interest in his signature and Chelsea have been heavily linked with the versatile attacker throughout the summer.
Chelsea have allegedly been keen to secure a deal for Wahi before loaning him to Strasbourg, who have just been purchased by Chelsea's owners.
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However, it has been well documented that Wahi does not view that route as his preferred option, as the prospect feels that his career would not progress if he represented a side of similar stature to Montpellier.
As a result, negotiations have not progressed with the Blues, and it now appears that they will lose out in the race for a highly-rated youngster, a rare occurrence over the past year.
According to Foot Mercato, West Ham are close to winning the race for Wahi's services, with the expectation being that he would immediately ply his trade at the London Stadium.
RMC Sport adds that the Hammers are prepared to make a €35m (£30m) offer for the player over the coming days.
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Manager David Moyes has recently been able to sign Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to help fill the void left by Declan Rice, who has joined Arsenal.
Nevertheless, a new central defender and attacker are known to be on his radar as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the Europa League trophy.
Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama are the current options down the middle of the forward line, although the former may be sold for the right price.
Moyes is allegedly open to using Jarrod Bowen down the centre, too, which would free up Wahi to be used elsewhere in the final third of the pitch.
Darren Plant
