West Ham United are negotiating to sign FC Metz attacker Idrissa Gueye, and according to [Foot Mercato,](https://www.footmercato.net/a2029407508928103950-west-ham-discute-avec-idrissa-gueye) ‘talks are progressing well’.
Gueye scored six goals and provided an assist in 17 Ligue 2 appearances last season, impressing clubs like West Ham with his sharp link-up play and agile footwork.
The 18-year-old will likely serve as a backup to first-choice striker Niclas Fullkrug, who has excelled for the Hammers in pre-season.
Rumours have been circulating about West Ham’s interest in Gueye for weeks, but it seems like the club might soon enter the advanced stage.
The finish line is near as the Hammers look to add another quality player to the roster.
Gueye joined Metz this winter from the Academy Generation Foot in Senegal and took the French second division by storm.
Gueye may not have enough experience at the top level, but it is easy to see why West Ham are keen to take the punt on him.
He is tall, athletic, pacy, and not afraid to shoot, even if he can improve that aspect of his game. Hailed as a [‘player with great potential’](https://onefootball.com/en/news/fc-metz-la-cote-grimpe-pour-idrissa-gueye-40806162), he could prove a brilliant addition.
Besides, signing a young striker like Gueye will help reduce the average age of this West Ham roster.
Metz want at least €15 million from West Ham to let their gem go, and we wait to see if the Hammers hierarchy can get this deal over the line.
Some West Ham fans may be wary of signing another young, relatively unknown talent, but they only need to look at how El Hadji Malick Diouf has fared.
The Senegalese defender, also unearthed from obscurity this summer, has been a revelation in pre-season, quickly silencing doubts with his composure and tenacity.
The same recruitment team that spotted Diouf’s potential sees something special in Gueye.
At just 18, Gueye already looks like a player with the tools to thrive in the Premier League. If Diouf is any indication, the Hammers might be about to strike gold again.
_Stats from Sofascore_