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West Ham now eyeing swoop for ‘special’ £50m striker

Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
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West Ham United are interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun as they look to bring in a new centre-forward.

According to talkSPORT, West Ham are one club who have asked to be kept informed on Folarin Balogun‘s situation and are now considering making a swoop for him.

The outlet has suggested that the 22-year-old wants to leave Arsenal this summer, though getting him out of the Emirates could be costly.

Last month, Sky Sports claimed that the Gunners value Balogun, who Mikel Arteta has described as “special”, at £50m.

The USA international impressed last season, scoring 21 goals in 37 league appearances while out on loan at Reims, but it is still a lot of money to ask for.

Gianluca Scamacca replacement

David Moyes may feel that he needs to sign a new striker, with Scamacca seemingly heading for the exit door.

As per the Evening Standard, Inter Milan are confident of bringing the former Sassuolo man back to Italy before the transfer window closes.

It explains why West Ham would be interested in Balogun, though they will still have Michail Antonio and Danny Ings if Scamacca does go.

Folarin Balogun
Photo by Jose L Argueta/ISI Photos/Getty Images

A move to the London Stadium also makes sense for Balogun, with Arteta having Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah all in his ranks right now.

The first of that trio is currently out injured and will miss the start of the new season, but the presence of Havertz and Nketiah is still likely to limit Balogun’s opportunities.

Therefore, a switch to West Ham or another club could be best for the Arsenal academy graduate. However, the Gunners are probably going to have to lower their valuation if a permanent deal is to happen this summer.

If not, there is a chance of Balogun remaining at the Emirates after he made it clear that he is unwilling to go out on loan again.