The transfer window is heating up, and West Ham United are at risk of being outpaced by Chelsea once again — this time in the race for highly-rated striker Emanuel Emegha.
The 6ft 5in Dutchman, who lit up Ligue 1 last season with 14 goals for Strasbourg, is attracting serious attention from both London clubs. But with Strasbourg part of the BlueCo multi-club network, the scales may already be tipped in Chelsea’s favour.
Chelsea’s Advantage: The Multi-Club Model at Work
Chelsea’s recent signing of Mamadou Sarr from fellow BlueCo-owned side Strasbourg illustrates the quiet power of the multi-club setup. And with Chelsea already snapping up Liam Delap and tracking Hugo Ekitike, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy seems intent on stockpiling Europe’s most exciting young forwards.
That spells bad news for West Ham, who have long admired Emegha, according to Hammers News via Graeme Bailey. The Hammers saw the 22-year-old as a dynamic, affordable option to lead their attack — a player who combines Alexander Isak’s elegance with the explosiveness of Victor Osimhen, his self-declared idol.
But Chelsea’s ability to sign and loan Emegha back to Strasbourg may provide a perfect workaround for UEFA rules, effectively placing the player out of reach for rivals like West Ham.
Strasbourg President Speaks Out
Despite the swirling rumours, Strasbourg president Marc Keller insists he’s not giving up without a fight.
> “We want the best possible team to be ambitious,” Keller told reporters. “We’re trying to keep him. Our ideal [scenario] is to build further with him.”
With Emegha under contract until 2028, Strasbourg have the leverage — but if Chelsea comes calling with £20M and a plan to loan him back, that might prove irresistible.
What Makes Emegha Special?
At just 22, Emegha isn’t just about height and pace — he’s about work rate. Former Liverpool midfielder Bruno Cheyrou praised his “generosity,” describing him as a striker who lifts the entire team with his constant pressing and smart finishing.
> “He’s a cut above in Ligue 1 when it comes to sprints and speed,” Cheyrou noted on Ligue 1’s YouTube channel.
What Now for West Ham?
Unless Chelsea’s attention shifts toward bigger names — or unless West Ham move fast and decisively — another exciting talent could be headed to Stamford Bridge.
The Hammers’ pursuit of a new forward continues, but if they lose out on Emegha, it will feel like a gut punch — and another example of how difficult it is to compete with clubs wielding multi-club power and Champions League allure
