Southampton and West Ham in transfer race to sign £18m-rated striker who is like "Olivier Giroud" | OneFootball

West Ham and Southampton are set to compete for the signing of a forward previously compared to Olivier Giroud

Southampton face competition from West Ham in the race to sign Idrissa Gueye from French side Metz.

According to Alan Nixon, the Hammers are monitoring the forward after already signing his international teammate El Hadji Malick Diouf earlier in the summer.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 2 last year, making 17 appearances in the league.

He contributed five goals and one assist, helping Metz gain promotion to the top flight, which has led to speculation over his future.

Southampton competing for Gueye signing

Southampton and West Ham are both interested in signing Gueye this summer following his promising performances in the French second tier.

It’s believed that it will take £18 million to convince the Ligue 1 side to cash in on the teenager.

It’s understood that West Ham are sending scouts to watch the forward this weekend in Metz’s upcoming pre-season friendly.

It remains to be seen what the player’s preference is at this stage of his career, but it is clear that his performances are already attracting major attention.

The 18-year-old has previously been compared to Olivier Giroud by his sporting director Frédéric Arpinon.

Gueye has a contract with Metz until the summer of 2029, giving them a lot of leverage in any upcoming negotiations.

Southampton’s summer business

Southampton have already added one forward to Will Still’s squad so far this summer, bringing in Damion Downs from FC Koln.

Joshua Quarshie has also joined the Saints, bolstering their defensive options for the upcoming campaign.

Still will be aiming to guide the club back to the Premier League after being appointed manager earlier in the summer.

Southampton’s season gets underway with a clash against Wrexham on 9 August.

Idrissa Gueye signing has potential

Southampton have a lot of forward options as it is right now, but his arrival could be quite exciting if they can make room for him in the squad.

The Saints will surely have to offload one or two out of Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, Ross Stewart and Adam Armstrong, especially with Downs now also in the team.

It would be risky to spend £18 million on someone so young as well, but his performances in Ligue 2 were encouraging.

But it will also be hard to contend with West Ham, who will have Premier League football they can offer this season.