Arsenal star Folarin Balogun holds talks with West Ham United but there’s a catch claims a new report that has emerged from France.
As Arsenal look to pear down their striker options, West Ham are trying to beef theirs up following the sale of Gianluca Scamacca.
West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun in recent months.
According to the likes of Football.London, West Ham have been showing genuine interest in bringing talented Gunners ace Balogun to the London Stadium from Arsenal.
And is it any wonder after the 22-year-old US international shone on loan at Reims last season, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances.
West Ham were encouraged by a coy response on Balogun’s Arsenal future from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta during pre-season.
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Arsenal star Folarin Balogun holds talks with West Ham but there’s a catch claims new report from France
With Balogun slipping further down the Arsenal pecking order due to the arrival of Kai Havertz – and having made it clear he does not want to go out on another loan – West Ham have been alerted to his availability.
There were further positive signs for the Hammers when Arteta left Balogun out of his squad completely for the friendly against Monaco, which Football.London claimed was due to the transfer speculation surrounding him.
And the Gunners boss reassured clubs interested in Balogun – like West Ham – that an injury to Gabriel Jesus will not change the striker’s chances of leaving the Emirates.
According to a report from talkSPORT, West Ham have made a direct request to Arsenal to be kept informed about the talented striker’s situation in the summer transfer window.
Now Arsenal star Balogun has held talks with West Ham but there’s a catch claims a new report from France.
According to sources contacted by Get French Football News, Balogun has held talks with West Ham about a potential move.
Gunners forward prioritising Inter but they can’t afford him
But the catch for the Hammers is that so too have Monaco and Lens.
West Ham would have the London card and Europa League football to help lure the USA striker.
The problem is, GFFN claim Balogun is prioritising a move to Inter Milan above West Ham and the two French clubs.
The positive news for West Ham is that up to now Inter have baulked at Arsenal’s reported £43m valuation of Balogun.
“Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun (22) is prioritising a move to Iner Milan amidst attempts from West Ham United, AS Monaco and RC Lens to agree provisional terms with the USMNT forward, according to sources contacted by Get French Football News…” the report claims.
“Monaco (who have seen an opening offer rejected) aren’t the only club attempting to agree terms with Balogun. Lens, West Ham and Inter Milan are also seeking to reach a provisional agreement with the Arsenal forward. Get French Football News understands that Balogun favours a move to Inter Milan, although the Serie A side may struggle to pull off the deal due to the financial demands being imposed by Arsenal.”
A coach who has been working one-to-one with Balogun over the summer claims he is expected to leave Arsenal this summer.
And he rates him as one of the most exciting up-and-coming numbers nines in world football.
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