Marseille seems to have given up recruiting Hwang Hee-chan due to Wolverhampton's strong resistance.
England's The Athletic said on the 31st (Korea time) 'Marceu is working harder to strengthen the striker by delivering an improved offer to recruit Eddie Nketiah. Marseille's new offer amounts to 20 million euros (about 29.8 billion won). The transfer fee is similar to the offer made last time, but with Arsenal releasing Nketiah, it has become similar to the way they want to pay it,' the report said.
Marseille sought to recruit Hwang Hee-chan this summer. By bringing in manager Robert de Gerby, who was connected to big clubs, Marseille is showing his will to revive. However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was Marseille's ace last season, moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qaddashiya, creating a huge gap in the attack.
Even before Aubameyang's transfer took place, Marseille wanted Hwang Hee-chan. Marseille even put in an offer to recruit Hwang Hee-chan. The proposal to Wolverhampton amounted to 25 million euros (about 37.3 billion won). This was the third highest transfer fee in the history of Marseille. Marseille was serious about recruiting Hwang Hee-chan.
However, Wolverhampton never intended to send Hwang Hee-chan, who grew into the team's ace last season. They did not see the satisfactory level of transfer fees, but took the position of 'NFS (Not For Sale)' that they would never sell it at all.
Reporter Liam Keane, who works for Express and Star of the United Kingdom and is familiar with Wolverhampton's news, said "Wolverhampton rejected an offer submitted by Marseille to recruit Hwang Hee-chan. Bidding was €25m but Wolverhampton was adamant it would not sell Hwang Hee-chan"Wolverhampton warned against touching Hwang Hee-chan. Wolverhampton has made the decision to keep the player in the fold.
Inevitably, Marseille had no choice but to seek a player other than Hwang Hee-chan. That's what Nketiah is. The proposed transfer fee is also 20 million euros, similar to the amount prepared for Hwang Hee-chan's recruitment.
Arsenal want a higher amount for Nketiah's transfer fee, so more negotiations are needed, but the atmosphere of dialogue is said to be very positive. Nketia has already reportedly completed a personal agreement with Marseille. If Arsenal accept Marseille's offer, Nketiah will sign a five-year contract with Marseille. If Nketiah goes to Marseille, Hwang Hee-chan's transfer to Marseille is also over.
rlaeotlr2024@sportschosun.com
