West Ham have identified Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun as a “priority target” this summer, according to FootballTransfers.
The publication noted that the US international could push for a move away from North London amid a lack of assurances about game time at Arsenal next season.
And FootballTransfers has reported that the Hammers could take advantage of that situation by trying to bring Balogun to the club in a deal that would see Declan Rice go the other way.
“West Ham United have made Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun a priority target for the summer transfer window, FootballTransfers has learned.
“Balogun’s future at Arsenal is unclear, with the US international striker potentially ready to push for a move away from the Emirates Stadium as manager Mikel Arteta has failed to give him significant assurances over game time next term.
“West Ham are willing to accept a part-exchange deal and, according to FootballTransfers’ sources, Balogun is a player who has been discussed while the Rice negotiations have been taking place.”
Balogun enjoyed a stunning season on loan in Ligue 1 last time out, with the young striker scoring 22 goals in all competitions during his temporary spell at Reims.
It is in stark contrast to his previous loan spell with Championship club Middlesbrough, where the forward netted just three times from his 21 matches.
Unsurprisingly, Balogun has now caught the eye of many clubs, with West Ham the latest to show an interest in the 21-year-old.
After two loan spells away from North London, Balogun’s Arsenal future is up in the air, and that should definitely be something that the Hammers can keep an eye on.
They are in desperate need of attacking talents, with current attackers Gianluca Scamacca, Danny Ings and Michail Antonio not exactly hitting the heights expected of them at the London Stadium.
West Ham are in the best position in Arsenal’s pursuit of Rice, and the East London club should push as hard as they possibly can to bring Balogun to the club if indeed their captain does move to the Gunners.
