West Ham have been offered the chance to sign former FC Lorient striker Bamba Dieng as a free agent, and it could be an intriguing one.

Dieng would represent a calculated gamble for West Ham, but the attraction is easy to understand.

The Senegal international is available without a transfer fee, has experience at major tournaments and is coming off a productive season in France.

Dieng scored 10 goals across 22 Ligue 1 appearances for Lorient in 25/26, bagging 16 in total across all competitions.

At 26, he's also entering his peak years.

Dieng helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, scoring during their knockout victory over Cape Verde. He later found the net against Qatar at the 2022 World Cup and returned to the tournament in 2026, playing seven minutes against France while remaining on the bench for Senegal’s other matches.

He has also produced spectacular moments at club level.

Dieng’s overhead kick for Marseille against Strasbourg was voted Ligue 1’s Goal of the Season for 2021/22, and for West Ham, Dieng would offer pace, movement and a direct threat behind defences.

He can lead the line or operate alongside another forward, giving Nuno Espírito Santo another option.

There would be risk because his scoring record has not always been consistent, but the free transfer could be smart business if Nuno believes his best qualities can be unlocked in England.

West Ham offered in-demand Bamba Dieng who rejected Bournemouth

TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey reports that Dieng was offered to West Ham after leaving Lorient at the end of his contract.

According to the outlet, the striker’s representatives have been exploring opportunities in Britain as he considers the next stage of his career.

Bournemouth reportedly made an early approach too, but Dieng was unconvinced because he believed he would have been used mainly as a squad player.

That decision suggests regular football will play a major role in his choice. Dieng has also been offered to Middlesbrough, while TEAMtalk claims Wrexham and Hull City have made the strongest moves so far.

Wrexham are said to have presented what would have been the biggest contract offer in their history. Hull have also submitted an attractive proposal as they search for more firepower, but Dieng has not committed to either Championship club.

West Ham’s position remains less clear. Being offered a player does not mean the Hammers have opened negotiations, and the report does not claim an agreement is close.

The opportunity is simply available should Nuno and the club’s recruitment team decide Dieng fits their plans.

There is also competition beyond England. Al-Shabab and Amedspor have reportedly shown interest, while Valencia, Real Betis, Sevilla and Nice are monitoring his situation.

That said, the race is also described as wide open, and the Irons could still pounce.