West Ham United face an early striker-market setback, with Metz reportedly reluctant to sell Pape Moussa Fall this summer.
Hammers News reports that Metz have pushed back on the idea of selling Fall, despite West Ham links around the £5m mark. TEAMtalk previously claimed West Ham and Crystal Palace were among the clubs tracking the Senegalese forward.
Fall, 21, spent last season on loan at RAAL La Louviere and attracted attention with his scoring record and size. TEAMtalk described him as a 6ft 6in striker, while FotMob lists 11 goals and one assist in the 2025/26 Belgian Pro League campaign.
West Ham need clearer centre-forward options before Nuno Espirito Santo begins the Championship season. ReadWestHam has already covered how the Dom Ballard delay leaves the club short of certainty in the final third.
Fall would not arrive as a finished guarantee. His appeal comes from age, physical profile and potential value. That kind of signing can work in a rebuild, but only if the club move at the right price and avoid letting another striker lead drift.
Nils Koppen’s recruitment role gives the process added interest. West Ham confirmed his arrival this summer, and the club now need sharper decisions across the squad.
Metz’s stance does not end the link, but it gives West Ham a clear test.
If the price rises or the French club refuse to engage, Nuno and Koppen may need to move quickly towards other striker options.
