EXCLUSIVE: Moyes’ heart set on Balogun and open to Paqueta transfer
Steve Kay
- Updated: 18 Aug 2023 14:30 BST
- 3 min read
West Ham United manager David Moyes only has eyes for Arsenal attacker Folarin Balogun, FootballTransfers has learned.
Progress in the summer transfer window has been painfully slow for the Hammers, who have so far only added Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to Moyes’ squad.
West Ham, though, have money to burn, having sold Declan Rice to Arsenal earlier in the window for more than £100 million.
Moyes, though, is unlikely to land the players he wants to strengthen his squad. FootballTransfers can reveal that the Europa Conference League winning-manager wants to strengthen his squad with the addition of Arsenal forward Balogun this summer and wanted the USMNT striker included in the Rice deal.
West Ham, though, have informed Moyes that Balogun is too expensive.
Instead, they are following up a transfer for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, who scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 last season and is only 20 years old. Competition for Wahi comes from Chelsea, although it appears that the forward would prefer a move where he is likely to gain regular first-team football.
This will only add to rumours that the Hammers are trying to force Moyes out of the club, with owner Peter Sullivan having reportedly handed much of the responsibility for transfers on to Tim Steidten, the technical director of the club.
Paqueta deal at £85m?
West Ham continue to hold firm on their public valuation of £100m for midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who has attracted interest from Manchester City.
This is a price that Pep Guardiola’s side are unwilling to pay and have broken off negotiations for the moment.
Privately, FootballTransfers has learned, that the Hammers will consider bids around £85m.
Furthermore, Moyes has spoken to Paqueta and has told the former Lyon player that he will not stand in his way of a dream move.
