West Ham transfer target Idrissa Gueye is in “high demand”, according to Metz sporting director Frederic Arpinon.
Reports in the French media earlier this week suggested that the Hammers were making progress in signing the striker, and speaking about potential outgoings, Arpinon said:
“We shall see what will happen with the players who could leave us. Idrissa (Gueye) is in high demand, of course, we have to anticipate.”
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It is believed that Gueye could be signed for a fee in the region of €15m (£13m), which would likely fit into West Ham’s transfer budget.
There is competition for Gueye
Arpinon made a point of saying that the 18-year-old is garnering plenty of interest from high-profile teams, and French publication Republicain Lorrain (where these quotes originate from) claims Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on the player.
Gueye is a promising young prospect, having already received his first senior cap for Senegal, but he is relatively inexperienced. The teenager only moved to Europe back in January and he has made just 20 appearances in France’s second tier, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist.
Are West Ham pursuing any other forwards?
Having already brought in Callum Wilson on a free transfer, talk of recruiting a striker has gone relatively quiet. It seems Potter is content to go into the new season with the former Newcastle player and Niclas Fullkrug as his only two senior options up front. Gueye could be snapped up as one for the future.
However, there are suggestions that a winger could signed too. The Irons are reportedly interested in Liverpool’s Ben Doak and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, but both would cost at least £20m.
In other news, ExWHUEmployee has confirmed that a West Ham transfer is “90% done” as the club close in on their 5th signing of the summer transfer window