Inter Milan could switch their transfer focus to West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca if Arsenal fail to lower Folarin Balogun’s £50million asking price.
Italy international Scamacca is keen to ensure that he is a regular starter next season after struggling in his first year in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old is open to a return to Serie A but West Ham have not ruled out keeping the player, despite his underwhelming maiden campaign in English football.
Balogun remains Inter’s first-choice target after they walked away from a £35m deal for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku after discovering that he had been simultaneously talking to rivals Juventus.
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Arsenal know that Inter are willing to spend big on a striker this summer but not enough to reach their asking price.
The presence of buy-back or sell-on clauses in any deal could reduce the fee but Scamacca has been sounded out over a possible move in case negotiations for Balogun collapse.
Roma are also interested in Scamacca but West Ham are increasingly reluctant to accept loan interest in the striker, who has four years left on his deal after joining from Sassuolo for £35.5m.
The Hammers are also on the verge of their first summer signing, with a £14m move for Manchester City winger Carlos Borges close to completion.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most talented players in the English academy system but is struggling to break through with Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winning side.
West Ham are keen to sign a midfielder to replace Arsenal’s £105m signing Declan Rice and are interested in Joao Palhinha, James Ward-Prowse, Conor Gallagher and Denis Zakaria.
