Arsenal player Folarin Balogun has been made to train alone amid West Ham United interest
Arsenal striker and West Ham transfer target Folarin Balogun has been made to train alone as the club continue their pre-season preparations in the USA, according to The Athletic.
The online publication shared overnight on 24 July that Balogun, who scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 on loan at Reims last season, has been training separately from the rest of the Arsenal squad in the USA, after he was an unused substitute in their friendly against Manchester United on 22 July.
This situation could allow West Ham to pounce, with Balogun having been linked to a move to East London this summer as the Hammers look to improve their squad following the departure of Declan Rice, who moved to Arsenal for £105million.
West Ham need to make their move
It has not been shared whether Balogun was training alone due to any unhappiness at the club or potential transfer, or whether it was due to injury recovery as The Athletic also shared Oleksandr Zinchenko was training alone as he recovers from a knock.
However, with no reported injury to Balogun who featured in the club’s game against MLS All-Stars before being snubbed against Manchester United, it seems that his exclusion from full training will be down to his future being undecided this summer.
The Hammers were linked with the prolific Gunners striker this summer on 26 June, with 90min reporting that they had made contact over a potential deal for the USA international.
West Ham are in the market for reinforcements up front, with Gianluca Scamacca expected to leave the club, as they look to improve their poor record of just 23 open-play goals in the Premier League last season.
Balogun moving to East London would make a lot of sense. He wouldn’t have to completely up sticks as he would remain in London, while he is guaranteed minutes at West Ham.
The striker scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season while on loan at Reims and ranks in the 91st percentile among other strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for both total shots and non-penalty xG plus assisted goals.
It may be time to make the move.
In other West Ham news, the club are leading the race to sign Chelsea midfielder this summer.