Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is “open” to joining West Ham, according to The Independent.

Both the Hammers and Monaco were deemed as outsiders in the battle to land the American international, with the forward’s “preference” being either Inter or AC Milan.

However, neither Serie A club can match the Gunners’ £40m+ asking price, and Balogun is now willing to consider alternative destinations before the transfer window closes.

Out of the two remaining options, the Independent claim that West Ham would be “more attractive” as it would mean that he could stay in the Premier League.

However, they also emphasise that a return to France is not off the table. Balogun had a very successful time out on loan at Stade de Reims so moving to another Ligue One club like Monaco remains a possibility.

Balogun is keen to leave Arsenal

With Kai Havertz having been selected as a striker in the Community Shield last weekend, it appears that Balogun would be behind the German, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order at the London club.

The 22-year-old has previously refused to sign a new contract and he is also unwilling to be loaned out again, so a permanent exit this summer is very likely.

West Ham are searching for a Scamacca replacement

Following the departure of Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, manager David Moyes really needs to strengthen his frontline ahead of the transfer deadline.

Strike duo Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are unlikely to be enough firepower if West Ham are to improve on their 14th-place finish from last season.

A fresh face is needed, and Balogun is a young talent with the hunger to make a big impact. The big question now is whether the Irons are willing to match Arsenal’s valuation in order to bring the striker to the London Stadium.