West Ham are gunning for Arsenal star Folarin Balogun as the striker faces an uncertain future despite his stunning season in Ligue 1.
West Ham have been competing with Arsenal for the European places over the last two seasons.
But this term the London rivals have been on very different trajectories indeed.
Arsenal are in line for a shock title win as they ride high at the top of the Premier League table.
West Ham meanwhile are currently in the bottom three and are embroiled in what promises to be one of the tightest relegation battles ever.
Given the Hammers have one of the better defensive records in the top flight, it is clear their issues centre around their goalscoring problems.
Arsenal have no such issues with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah in their ranks.
One player there was no space for at Arsenal this season while promising young striker Folarin Balogun.
With their goalscoring woes a clear and major issue – and the future of Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca unclear – Hammers fans expect the club to be in the market for a new striker in the summer.
And West Ham are gunning for Arsenal star Balogun as the striker faces an uncertain future despite his stunning season in Ligue 1.
Earlier this week the 21-year-old – who is on loan at Reims under West Ham fan Will Still – said ‘no door is closed’ as he prepares to make a big decision on his Arsenal future this summer.
Balogun has scored 17 goals in 27 games for Reims this season.
There were reports in February that West Ham were interested in a potential summer move for the striker.
Now a transfer expert who works for the likes of Marca and ESPN claims West Ham are one of three Premier League clubs ‘monitoring Balogun’s situation’ ahead of the summer window.
The rapid young striker looks to be just what West Ham need up front.
But quite what Arsenal fans will make of the prospect of him leaving permanently is another matter entirely.
Although many Gunners supporters did note the tone of his interview this week seemed to be very much someone considering their options.
Here’s what Balogun had to say on his future:
Contractually I have to go back. Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement.
But I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future. A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.
Balogun on his future