Arsenal are playing hardball with Monaco over the sale of Folarin Balogun after West Ham made their interest known in the in-demand striker.

Balogun is attracting lots of transfer interest following an eye-catching season on loan with Stade Reims last season. The 22-year-old scored 22 goals in 39 appearances with Reims and is one of the hottest properties on the market at the moment.

Despite losing Gabriel Jesus to knee surgery, Arsenal is eager to sell, but they are not in a hurry to reach a deal. Balogun is content to leave north London this summer since he is desperate to play for the first team and has interest from Monaco, West Ham, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.

After Breel Embolo sustained a long-term injury, Monaco is searching for a striker, although their initial approach has been delayed. The Arsenals have reportedly rejected their opening offer of €40 million (£34 million), since they are aware the US international is worth more than £40 million in this market.

Balogun and Monaco have apparently reached a “agreement in principle,” and Monaco has reportedly made the striker’s acquisition their top priority. West Ham has, according to The Independent, emerged as a respectable contender.

With the £105 million they received from Arsenal in exchange for Declan Rice, the Hammers are flush and actively pursuing deals. With Manchester United, David Moyes’ team has agreed to pay Harry Maguire £30 million. They are also close to signing Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez.

Balogun is behind Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order at Arsenal, while Mikel Arteta chose to play Kai Havertz as a false No9 in the Community Shield on Sunday. He has been open with his desire to start with regularity and is open to a move.

“I obviously went away and the point was to prove I could play first team football. I feel I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level,” he said while on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States last month.

“I think with me coming back it’s not really much of a situation where I think I need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it’s a decision that’s not really with me. Whatever happens I’m cool with it.”

The young striker’s preference had been to go to one of the Milan clubs, with Internazionale looking likeliest, but the Champions League finalists cannot get close to the fee.