West Ham United are set to open talks with Arsenal for Folarin Balogun as they seek a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.
Rudy Galetti has claimed that West Ham United have entered the race to sign Folarin Balogun in the coming days. The Arsenal prospect is up for sale but at the right price, with the Gunners not open to selling the striker for a low fee.
West Ham United have stepped up their efforts in the market and are on the verge of completing multiple deals. After spending most of the window as the only Premier League side to have not made a signing, the Hammers are about to announce many players after a flurry of transfer activity.
Edson Alvarez became the first to arrive, while there is a deal in place for James Ward-Prowse to join West Ham. They have the funds to make significant transfers after the record sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal. The Hammers then sold Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, thus opening up space for a new striker.
West Ham have also agreed on a deal for Harry Maguire with Manchester United and will pay £30 million. Now that David Moyes has midfield and defensive reinforcements to begin the season, he could look to bring in a striker.
🚨🗣️ #WestHam are on the verge to open talks with #Arsenal for Folarin #Balogun, targeted as a possible replacement of Scamacca.
❌ As told, #Inter won't increase the proposal for the 🇺🇸 ST and decided to withdraw the negotiation.
📌 #ASMonaco are always in the race. 🐓⚽ pic.twitter.com/TbqRxuEa1F
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) August 10, 2023
Reports suggested the Hammers were even open to letting Michail Antonio leave, but that is still up for debate. In any case, they continue looking for a new striker to replace the Italian international and have narrowed the search to Arsenal prospect Folarin Balogun.
The USMNT international returned to Arsenal after a stellar season on loan at Reims, scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1. His market value has since skyrocketed, and the Gunners are keen to cash in. Against all odds, Balogun barely played during the pre-season tour of the US, which sparked rumours of an imminent sale.
Inter Milan, having been the front-runners for all this while, have decided to bow out of the race amid the rising cost. AS Monaco have seen a bid rejected by Arsenal, but the French giants could return soon with a much-improved offer.
The entry of West Ham in the race gives Arsenal a chance to stick with their asking price of more than £50 million. Mikel Arteta has plenty of forwards in his squad, and the recent acquisition of Kai Havertz negates the exit of Balogun.
West Ham are reportedly keen to open talks with Arsenal to understand the conditions for this deal. Balogun could choose to stay in England and London if an agreement can materialise. West Ham will have to bid substantially to convince Arsenal about selling Balogun. Their recent negotiation tactics with the Rice sale may come to bite back when talking with the Gunners for the USMNT international.
Arsenal have shown recently they will not bow under pressure and sell cheap. Hence, Edu Gaspar will expect the Hammers to come with a big offer and only then will negotiations continue for the striker. The race has opened up with at least two teams firmly talking with the Gunners, while more sides could arrive in due time.
