Folarin Balogun picks Inter Milan ‘dream’ as West Ham United transfer twist emerges
West Ham transfer target Folarin Balogun has decided that his “dream” move would be to Inter Milan, as the Italian side gets set to make a formal bid this week, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported in its print edition [07 August, pg 6] that Inter are ready to make a £25.8million offer for the striker this week as they believe Arsenal will lower their initial £43million valuation.
The report also states that French side Lens has entered the race for his signature, but Balogun is not tempted by their offer, while he is pushing for a move to Inter as the club “makes him dream”.
West Ham had been credited with an interest in the USA international striker as recently as 5 August [Daily Express], as they look to bolster their attacking line ahead of the new Premier League season following the impending exit of Gianluca Scamacca.
Balogun scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last year, which is why he has attracted interest from Lens who qualified for the Champions League last season, as well as Inter Milan who reached the final of the prestigious competition just last season.
West Ham have targeted moves for other strikers including Chelsea forward Armando Broja, Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, and £35million-rated Elye Wahi in their attempts to add more firepower to their lineup.
Following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal earlier this summer, West Ham have been looking to invest the money throughout their squad rather than targeting a direct replacement, to make themselves more competitive and avoid slipping into a relegation battle.
This could be one player to cross off the list, though.
In other West Ham news, the club could move for a new forward after Scamacca leaves.