Finding a 20+ goal-a-season striker has been West Ham United's mission for many, many years. The club has had a string of strikers since they arrived back in the Premier League in 2012. However, there are not many who can be considered a full-on success.
The Hammers signed Taty Castellanos and Pablo in January. Castellanos has done well, scoring two Premier League goals already. However, Pablo has only just returned from injury. Callum Wilson is also at the club, and he has recently agreed to a one-year extension to his deal that was to expire in the summer. It is also likely that Niclas Fullkrug will return to the London Stadium after failing to impress on loan at AC Milan.
West Ham is still being linked with other forwards, despite uncertainty as to whether or not they will be in the Premier League next season. According to SportsBoom, "West Ham United and Everton are preparing to take concrete steps for (Folarin) Balogun." The outlet also mentioned that Milan and RB Leipzig are interested in the player.
Is a move to West Ham likely for Folarin Balogun?
Despite being a USMNT international, Balogun played for England up to the Under-17 level. He came through the ranks at Arsenal, but only made 10 appearances for them, scoring twice. Whilst with the Gunners, he also had a loan spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough, where he scored three times in 18 games.
It was in France that Balogun made his name. He had a great loan at Stade de Reims before joining AS Monaco permanently. This season, Balogun has scored 15 goals, with five assists in 36 games in all competitions. This includes five goals in 10 Champions League games.
With his form in European soccer's top competition, it would appear unlikely that he would want to go to West Ham, unless he is desperate to return to London. Everton, who are currently eighth in the Premier League, also does not seem likely.
Milan, which already has Balogun's USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic, would appear the most tempting move for the striker. The Italian side is also second in Serie A. Leipzig, too, is a more probable move for the player, as they are fourth in the Bundesliga and are on course to qualify for the Champions League again next season.