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West Ham United make first move in race for “on fire” striker also wanted by Chelsea
After appointing Julen Lopetegui as head coach in the summer and splashing the cash on high-profile signings like Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, and German striker Niclas Füllkrug, expectations were high for West Ham United this season.
Instead, the Hammers have endured one of their worst Premier League campaigns in recent memory. Lopetegui was sacked by mid-January after winning just six games, the big-money signings—particularly Summerville and Füllkrug—have underperformed, and Graham Potter, who replaced Lopetegui, has failed to turn things around.
With just four games remaining, West Ham sit 17th in the table—safe from relegation but on track for their worst top-flight finish since 2010/11, when they finished bottom and dropped to the Championship.
Understandably, attention is already turning toward next season and the summer transfer window, where the Irons will aim to rebuild after a nightmare 2024/25.
Emanuel Emegha on West Ham’s Radar
Emanuel Emegha is on fire this term. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP)
One glaring issue this season has been scoring goals. The Hammers have found the net just 39 times in 34 Premier League matches—the fifth-worst tally in the division.
To address this, West Ham have reportedly set their sights on RC Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, one of Ligue 1’s breakout stars. The 22-year-old Dutchman has scored 14 goals in 26 games, helping push Strasbourg into contention for European qualification.
Strasbourg currently sit seventh in Ligue 1 with three matches remaining, just four points behind second-placed Marseille and two behind third-placed Lille.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, West Ham have already made contact with Strasbourg over a potential summer move. The French club are reportedly open to selling Emegha, hoping to cash in on the £12 million investment they made when signing him from Sturm Graz in 2023.
However, the Hammers face stiff competition. Brentford, Fulham, and Everton have all reportedly expressed interest, while Chelsea—who share ownership with Strasbourg—are also monitoring the situation. The Blues may hope that loanee Andrey Santos, currently at Strasbourg, can help convince Emegha to choose Stamford Bridge.
A Perfect Fit?
Emegha’s rise has not gone unnoticed. In April, Ligue 1’s official X account posted a highlight reel of his performances, declaring: “Emanuel Emegha is on fire this season!”
The league’s website also praises his leadership qualities, writing: “Standing at 1.95 metres (6ft 4in) and weighing 82 kilograms, Emegha is more than just a physical presence. He is a charismatic leader who organises team outings and brings a sense of camaraderie to the dressing room.”
That sounds like exactly what West Ham need.
