Arsenal’s SURPRISE striker solution: Arteta faces major Premier League interest in €45m man

Robin Bairner

18 Jan 2025 08:45 GMT
2 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have been tipped to move for Marseille striker Elye Wahi in a bid to solve their current problems in attack.

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Mikel Arteta’s side are lacking options in the No.9 role, but while they have been tipped for a move for the likes of Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP hitman Viktor Gyokeres, both are likely to prove difficult to land during the January transfer window.

Wahi, on the other hand, has fallen behind Neal Maupay in Roberto De Zerbi’s thinking at Marseille and could be made available for transfer after an underwhelming six months at Stade Velodrome.

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STATS

E. Wahi

F (C)

Marseille

E. Wahi

F (C)

Marseille

13

Games
3

Goals
1

Assists

Arsenal were interested in the France U21 international prior to his move to Lens in 2023 and after the 22-year-old impressed against them in the Champions League, that grew. Although Wahi was allowed to move to Marseille unchallenged in the summer for €25 million, La Provence says that Gunners see the France Olympic striker as someone who may be able to step in and help them in the second half of the season.

Wahi has managed to score only three goals in 14 Marseille appearances and has looked short of confidence in recent weeks.

Despite his struggles, he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €44.6m and a contract that runs until 2029.

West Ham United, Bournemouth, Galatasaray and an unnamed German club are also interested.

Elye Wahi: A not-so-surprising solution for Arsenal?

Arsenal currently only have Kai Havertz who can play effectively as a No.9 – and even the Germany international has been criticised for his inefficiency at times this season.

There were plans afoot to improve in that area prior to January, but these have only been increased by Gabriel Jesus picking up an ACL injury and ruling him out for the end of the season.

Arteta’s primary targets are the likes of Sesko and Gyokeres, but both have enormous price tags on their heads and are unlikely to be allowed to move in January without incredible expense.

Perhaps it is not unsurprising, then, that Arsenal should turn to a striker like Wahi, who scored 19 Ligue 1 goals in 33 games at his best during the 2022/23 season.