Gianluca Scamacca to start striker transfer domino effect at West Ham United
Gianluca Scamacca leaving West Ham United to join Atalanta could start a transfer domino effect with Inter Milan, according to the Daily Express.
The newspaper has reported on its website on Saturday (5 August) that the Italian side had looked to be in pole position to sign Scamacca before talks quickly advanced with Atalanta and the striker has been afforded permission to fly to Bergamo to finalise a deal.
Inter now want to tie up the signing of Arsenal wonder Folarin Balogun, although West Ham could yet enter the running alongside them in a familiar connection during this window.
Discussing the Irons stance, Ryan Taylor wrote: “West Ham could yet enter the running following Scamacca’s imminent departure although it must be noted on the record that the Hammers are yet to explore the conditions of a deal.
“Inter want to tie up the signing of Balogun for no more than £30m as in their view, they do not intend to overpay for a player that is actively looking for a move this summer. A familiar theme has occurred throughout the summer transfer window; buying clubs feel as though Balogun is being somewhat overpriced by the Arsenal hierarchy.”
Pricey move
Every club in Europe will have been taking an interest in the availability of Balogun this summer, such was his impressive form while on loan with Stade Reims last year, where he managed to score 21 goals in Ligue 1. But everyone agrees his valuation may be too steep.
Before last season the 22-year-old hadn’t been particularly prolific in front of goal and therefore few teams will be willing to risk nearly £50m on a player that is ultimately a gamble, especially when Ligue 1 isn’t seen as one of the most testing leagues in Europe.
Part of his valuation will be the fact that the Gunners don’t want to sell the forward, especially since Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury and the Irons may be better off spending their money elsewhere as they start their summer business.
Balogun could well prove to be worth the expensive fee, but the Irons have left their incoming business so late this transfer window that they now just need guaranteed quality. But if Inter heads into these negotiations as passively as they did with Scamacca, the Hammers could well beat them to the American’s signature, if they’re willing to spend big.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has earmarked two players that he feels the Irons have to sign