West Ham United in hunt to sign Folarin Balogun as multiple clubs approach for Arsenal forward
West Ham are one of a number of Premier League clubs that have shown an interest in signing Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, according to Ben Jacobs.
The CBS journalist tweeted on 1 August to “keep an eye” on the Hammers making a move for the 22-year-old as the club haven’t made a bid for him yet but “do like the player”.
Jacobs added that a number of Premier League clubs have enquired about signing the US international, who scored 21 goals in 37 games while on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims last season.
Pull out the stops
There is no doubt that West Ham should really pull out the stops to try and land a deal to sign Balogun this summer after his incredible form on loan at Reims last season.
The forward scored 21 of the French club’s 45 goals throughout the campaign to help guide them to a comfortable mid-table finish.
Jacobs said Arsenal are looking for a fee in the region of £45million to allow him to leave the Emirates, with the American not keen on going out on loan again.
Balogun is reportedly eyeing a move out of North London as his first-team opportunities look set to be limited next season, having only made 10 appearances for the Gunners despite coming through the club’s academy.
The current valuation is probably a bit too high, but the striker proved last season that he is capable of scoring goals at a high level so it’s maybe worth us making a bid to feel out the situation.
In other West Ham news, Dharmesh Sheth has revealed the Hammers are in advanced talks to sign a midfielder.