Brentford have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign 18-year-old Senegalese striker Idrissa Gueye from FC Metz, just six months after the forward joined the French club.
Gueye, who netted five goals in 20 Ligue 2 appearances last season, has attracted growing attention from across Europe, with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Premier League sides Manchester United, Burnley and Southampton all expressing interest in the highly-rated youngster.
However, it is Brentford who are showing the greatest urgency in pushing for a deal, as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
The Bees are reportedly prepared to offer €18 million to secure the signature of the Mbourois-born forward. That figure is believed to be in line with Metz’s valuation, and the French club—who are known for developing young African talents—appear open to negotiations.
Gueye joined Metz from Senegalese outfit Génération Foot, continuing the well-established partnership between the two clubs, but his rapid rise has now put him on the radar of Europe’s top teams.
Brentford’s motivation is clear. With Bryan Mbeumo having already left the club and Yoane Wissa strongly tipped to follow him out the door, the Premier League side are in the market for fresh firepower.
Gueye, with his pace, physicality, and goal-scoring instincts, is seen as a player who fits perfectly into manager Thomas Frank’s plans.
While both Dortmund and Manchester United are reportedly willing to match the financial package proposed by Brentford, concerns over Gueye’s potential playing time at such high-profile clubs may work against them.
Sources close to the player suggest that Gueye is prioritising a move that guarantees regular minutes on the pitch—a condition Brentford are willing to meet.
The youngster’s camp is said to favour a move to the Gtech Community Stadium, where he would have a clearer pathway into first-team football. Brentford’s track record of developing emerging talents and offering them consistent top-flight opportunities could prove decisive in tipping the scales.
Nevertheless, FC Metz have not ruled out the possibility of keeping Gueye for another season. With promotion to Ligue 1 now secured, the club believes it can offer the striker a valuable platform to continue his development in France’s top division. Gueye, for his part, is reportedly open to staying in Lorraine if a move does not materialise this summer.
Metz, however, are realistic about the market demand for their young star. The club’s willingness to cash in—should the right offer come—is influenced by the financial boost a deal would provide ahead of their return to Ligue 1.
As talks continue behind the scenes, Brentford appear increasingly confident of wrapping up a deal. Should negotiations progress smoothly, Idrissa Gueye could soon become the latest African talent to make the leap from Ligue 2 to the Premier League.
