West Ham United are ready to rival Wrexham in the pursuit of Gabonese left-back Jacques Ekomie, who has one year remaining on his contract with Ligue 1 club Angers.
According to Football Insider, Jacques Ekomie is attracting considerable interest from English clubs, with West Ham prepared to compete with Wrexham for his signature. As the left-back enters the final year of his contract at Angers, there is a realistic possibility that he could move to England, with the Hammers looking to position themselves as favourites in the race.
West Ham have begun the season poorly, drawing away to Burnley and suffering a shock home defeat to Charlton Athletic, which has encouraged the East London club to conduct further business and strengthen the squad.
The Hammers have also been unable to retain all of their current players, having already lost Matheus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville. There are considerable doubts over the future of left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, though West Ham had previously resisted his sale.
West Ham to chase Jacques Ekomie?
West Ham are unwilling to sell Diouf despite increasing interest in the left-back. Brentford are reportedly closing in on signing the Senegalese international, which has forced the Hammers to identify potential replacements with the transfer window nearing its conclusion.
There had been reported interest in Sheffield United’s Harrison Burrows, but West Ham are now closely monitoring Ekomie’s situation. The Gabon international has played for Angers since joining from Bordeaux in 2024. He has made more than 50 appearances for the French club, including 33 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
Ekomie’s one-year contract makes him a viable target; Angers may prefer to sell now rather than risk losing him on a free transfer. West Ham would also have the financial resources to complete a deal if Diouf leaves.
However, they face competition from Wrexham, who are also keen to sign the 23-year-old. Wrexham have reportedly submitted a bid of around £4.3 million, while Angers are believed to be open to selling the defender.
Are West Ham the favourites in Ekomie race?
Wrexham are eager to continue building a squad capable of challenging for promotion. Although there are no guarantees that they will achieve that objective, the club have generated plenty of optimism around their project. West Ham, however, could offer Ekomie a clearer route to Premier League football. The opportunity to play in London and greater financial strength may also make them an appealing destination for the defender.
West Ham are likely better placed to compete; they could offer Angers more favourable financial terms and provide Ekomie the opportunity to potentially play Premier League football if they secure promotion.
Wrexham remain an attractive option, particularly because of their promotion ambitions, but they could struggle to win the race if West Ham make a firm approach. With the transfer window closing soon, West Ham must move swiftly if they are to beat Wrexham’s reported £4.3 million offer and secure the Gabonese international.
