Recent media links and reports have been consistently linking West Ham to the Ligue 1 forward in a ‘bargain’ swoop to steal him out from under other Premier League sides’ noses. However, Claret and Hugh can reveal that, contrary to recent claims, West Ham have not finalised personal terms with Metz striker Idrissa Gueye.
The club is currently shifting its focus toward strengthening the midfield – unless the recruitment team have confused the 18 year old with Everton’s 35 year old midfielder who shares the same name!
As previously reported by Claret & Hugh, a senior source at the club revealed that manager Graham Potter did not see the need for a new striker—though this was before the arrival of Callum Wilson. Earlier today, ExWHUemployee reaffirmed that Potter’s stance remains unchanged.
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West Ham’s reluctance to invest in a striker stands in stark contrast to other top-flight clubs. London rivals Chelsea have splashed out £163.8m on forwards, Arsenal £105.5m, Tottenham £85.6m, and Liverpool top the chart with £177.5m. Manchester United have also committed £85.6m to bolster their attacking options.
Footmercato reports that Gueye’s price tag is around £13m. The 18-year-old Senegal international joined Metz in January and quickly impressed with 6 goals and 1 assist in 18 appearances. His performances have drawn interest from West Ham scouts, but Borussia Dortmund now appear poised to intensify their pursuit of the Generation Foot Academy graduate.
With only Niclas Füllkrug and Callum Wilson as senior strikers, Callum Marshall could hopefully see increased involvement in the first team. Given Fullkrugs and Wilson’s history of injuries, Potter’s decision not to reinforce the striker position could be risky. However, Jarrod Bowen remains a versatile option who can step into the role if needed.
Maxwel Cornet is another option for Potter, if the club fail to sell the Ivory Coast international. Though the manager intimated during the US tour that the player should look to move as he couldn’t guarantee first team football. Cornet previously scored 9 goals in 26 appearances for Burnley and registered 2 goals and one assist in seven appearances for Genoa last season.