Exclusive: West Ham now make contact to sign £10.2m striker but he could actually end up at Chelsea

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TBR Football understand West Ham have approached Strasbourg to ask about Emanuel Emegha – but Chelsea could sign the striker instead.

West Ham have exactly two weeks to sign a new attacker before the February 3rd transfer deadline, after losing Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Fullkrug to serious injuries.

The Hammers failed to even register a shot on target during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, a result which leaves the east Londoners 14th in the Premier League.

West Ham have been offered Noah Okafor after the AC Milan No.17 failed a medical at RB Leipzig – although TBR Football understand an approach has now been made to sign Emanuel Emegha.

West Ham ask Strasbourg about Emanuel Emegha

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has now been told that West Ham have lodged an enquiry regarding the Netherlands U21 international.

Emegha has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring seven goals across just 13 appearances in Ligue 1 – while also providing two assists – delivering performances which have made West Ham take notice.

However, BlueCo – who own Chelsea and Strasbourg – are not ready to cash in on the Dutchman just yet, and there could even be a future for the striker at Stamford Bridge.

For those unaware, Strasbourg are Chelsea’s sister club, and trading often occurs between the two sides, with the Blues sending players like Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic on loan to the French outfit.

Chelsea are also close to signing Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg this month – before loaning the central defender back.

TBR Football understand Chelsea were in attendance at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday to watch Emegha score in Strasbourg’s 1-1 draw against Marseille.

Strasbourg paid €12m (£10.2m) to sign the 21-year-old from Sturm Graz back in July 2023.

What Chelsea think of Andrey Santos

The aforementioned Santos is enjoying himself on loan at Strasbourg from Chelsea this season.

Across 17 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this term from central midfield, the Brazilian has scored six goals and provided two assists – a fine return for a player in his position.

TBR Football understand Chelsea are delighted with how Santos is developing, and stress that the South American is a firm part of their plans for the future – despite a number of clubs enquiring about his situation.