AC Milan overtake Marseille in race for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez | OneFootball

According to a report from Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis, Olympique de Marseille have lost ground in the race to sign Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez (23). Italian side AC Milan have overtaken the Phocéen club, opening concrete talks with the Dutch club over a potential €35-40m move in recent hours. The Buenos-Aires-born Mexican forward has scored 64 goals and recorded 14 assists in 104 appearances in all competitions, with OM putting him at the top of their list in the event of a departure for Elye Wahi. After joining Marseille from Lens in the summer, the Frenchman could already be set to leave after falling out of favour with Roberto De Zerbi, who has opted for Neal Maupay as his starting striker, and bringing through the promising 17-year-old talent Robinio Vaz. Foot Mercato previously reported that Marseille and German side Eintracht Frankfurt were close to reaching an agreement over a permanent move only a few days ago. There has since been Premier League interest in the France U21 international, with West Ham, Bournemouth and even Arsenal considering a move for Wahi. OM have also looked elsewhere for a striker, with Brighton & Hove Albion target man Evan Ferguson also being looked at by Les Olympiens – especially considering his time and relationship with Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi. GFFN | George Boxall