“West Ham’s DESPERATE £53M Striker Heist to HUMILIATE Chelsea’s Grand Plans!”

Emmanuel Emegha Remains a Key Target for West Ham United Amidst Chelsea Interest

Hammers News can confirm, through trusted football journalist Graeme Bailey, that Emmanuel Emegha, one of the standout centre-forwards of the 2024/25 season, remains high on West Ham United’s summer transfer shortlist.

The powerful Dutch striker, who plays for Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1, made a significant impact during the recent campaign.

Alongside another West Ham-linked talent, Dilane Bakwa, Emegha played a central role in helping Strasbourg secure a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.

His tally of 14 goals across 27 league starts made him one of the most effective young forwards in the French top tier.

Bailey originally reported on West Ham’s interest in Emegha back in March. However, since then, Chelsea have entered the race with serious intent.

The Blues, who share ownership with Strasbourg through the BlueCo consortium, are now actively pursuing the 21-year-old striker and reportedly hope to bring him to Stamford Bridge by 2026.

With both clubs under the same ownership umbrella, Chelsea may attempt to use that link to their advantage in fending off rivals for the Dutchman’s signature.

Despite Chelsea’s growing involvement, West Ham are not backing down. While Emegha is not the only striker on the Hammers’ radar, he remains a player admired by the recruitment team at the London Stadium.

In a recent update provided to Hammers News, Bailey reaffirmed West Ham’s strong interest, describing the club as “really liking” Emegha.

The Netherlands U21 international, formerly of Sparta Rotterdam, Royal Antwerp, and Sturm Graz, has drawn attention not only for his goal-scoring record but also for his physical attributes and style of play.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Emegha is an imposing figure on the pitch but moves with a surprising grace that has drawn comparisons to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

His speed is another defining trait—he was recorded reaching a top speed of 23.4 mph during the season, making him the fastest forward in Ligue 1.

That placed him ahead of renowned speedsters like PSG’s Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembele.

His self-confidence is evident, too. “I’m a striker who scares all defenders,” Emegha said in an interview after Strasbourg’s rare win over PSG. “I can score with my left or right foot, I can score with my head, and I’m fast.”

While Strasbourg president Marc Keller recently stressed that there is no rush to sell Emegha, West Ham remain hopeful they can make a deal.

Meanwhile, they also continue to track Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz. The Turkish international, who also boasts pace and attacking flair, remains a coveted figure.

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek, echoing Keller’s sentiments, stated, “We are not considering selling any of our players whose contracts are ongoing.

Baris Alper is a very valuable player with a big role in our recent success.”

Nonetheless, West Ham’s interest hasn’t waned. Reports from Turkey suggest the Premier League club had a £21 million offer turned down for Yilmaz in January, with Galatasaray reportedly holding out for closer to £33 million.

That said, West Ham’s ability to act in the transfer market will depend heavily on their ability to generate funds through player sales.

As a result, they risk losing out on both Emegha and Yilmaz if they can’t move quickly.

In what could be a telling hint about his future, Yilmaz recently admitted his desire to play in a top European league: “I really want to play in Europe,” he said.

“I hope my club approves a move, and everything goes well. I would love to play in Europe.”