- West Ham enter Balogun chase
- Monaco also interested
- Player prefers Inter move but price tag a deterrent
WHAT HAPPENED? Balogun has been linked with a move to Inter in recent weeks, but the Serie A giants cannot afford to match Arsenal's transfer demands. The Independent reports that West Ham, alongside French side Monaco, have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the USMNT forward.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Balogun's preference would be a move to Inter, but with the Serie A side lacking the financial muscle to pull off a deal, the 22-year-old will likely have to assess other options before the close of the transfer window. Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly keen to raise funds to land another new signing, with a central midfielder apparently on Mikel Arteta's wanted list despite the move to bring in Declan Rice earlier in the summer.
AND WHAT'S MORE: The Independent states that, given his time spent in Ligue 1 last season with Reims, Balogun would be open to another Ligue 1 move, with the USMNT forward having scored an impressive 21 goals last season for the French side.
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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN? With the player firmly down the pecking order at Arsenal, he needs to make his next career decision wisely. The Gunners striker has plenty of options given his productive season in Ligue 1 and, with West Ham needing a forward having sold Gianluca Scamacca back to Serie A, a move to east London could be ideal and allow Balogun to test himself at the highest level of English football.