West Ham United say no to David Moyes over Folarin Balogun transfer from Arsenal amid forced exit rumours
David Moyes “only has eyes” for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer but the club are going for Elye Wahi instead, according to Football Transfers.
The outlet reported on their website Friday (18 August) that the Hammers have told the boss the Gunners forward, 22, is “too expensive” and are instead following up their interest in Montpellier’s Wahi, 20.
According to Football Transfers this will “only add to rumours that the Hammers are trying to force Moyes out of the club”, after handing much of the transfer responsibilities to technical director Tim Steidten.
The German and the Scot have clashed over targets throughout the transfer window as incoming business was delayed to the final weeks of the window.
That led to speculation over the futures of both men at the London Stadium, and now the suggestion is that the technical director may be coming out on top in the struggle.
West Ham are believed to be closing in on a deal worth up to £35million for Wahi, with the player now set to decide on his next move.
Telling
Ever since it emerged that there was friction between Moyes and Steidten over moves in the transfer window it looked untenable for both to remain long-term.
As the Irons have finally got their incoming business up and running in the form of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to replace Declan Rice the problem has faded into the background somewhat.
With the Mexican international midfielder the first man in from Ajax, but then followed by a domestic focus on the former Southampton captain, and a push for Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, it looked like the Hammers were looking to balance the priorities of both.
But if the club are in fact denying the manager his primary target to go for an alternative he isn’t sold on who is himself expensive it could be risky.
Both Balogun and Wahi demonstrated their scoring ability in Ligue 1 last season, and each would appear to be exciting options.
And with the Arsenal man having only made 10 appearances for the Emirates side, and just two in the Premier League, neither would actually be established performers in England as Moyes wants.
But given how new signings struggled to make an impact under the West Ham boss last term it might not be a great idea to spend big money on one that he doesn’t actually want.
If Steidten is being given the upper hand at the London Stadium then Moyes may not last, but the board will need to have an alternative lined up after struggling for options all last term.
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports have issued an update on a major incoming transfer independent of developments with Lucas Paqueta.