Nketiah to Marseille Deal Collapse as Club Signs Elye Wahi from Lens.

🕓 Last updated on February 1, 2026

Olympique de Marseille have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah. the French club has instead secured the services of Elye Wahi from RC Lens.

Marseille had been in negotiations with Arsenal for several weeks, aiming to bring Nketiah to the Stade Vélodrome. Despite the player’s willingness to join and even agreeing to a five-year contract, the deal fell through due to the transfer fee. Arsenal had initially set a price tag of €35 million, which was later reduced to €30 million in an attempt to reach a compromise. However, Marseille remained hesitant to meet even the lowered valuation.

With the Nketiah deal stalling, Marseille turned their attention to Elye Wahi, a promising young forward from RC Lens.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has been making waves in Ligue 1 with his impressive performances.

Fabrizio Romano report that Marseille are close to signing Lens forward Elye Wahi, so the move for Eddie Nketiah is currently OFF.

Marseille and Lens have reportedly agreed on a transfer fee of €20million, with potential add-ons that could increase the total amount. Wahi’s arrival is expected to bolster Marseille’s attacking options significantly.

Mikel Arteta was asked about Nketiah’s future after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Lyon on Sunday, Mikel Arteta said:

“All the players that are here, that’s the biggest chance that they’ll stay with us. That’s why they’re here”.

‘We will see. We will evaluate if something is there to decide. At the moment there isn’t.’

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