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Transfer rumours: Folarin Balogun to Brighton & Hove Albion, Ian Maatsen to West Ham United, Cedric Soares to Villarreal

Transfer rumours: Balogun to Brighton, Maatsen to West Ham, Soares to Villarreal
© Reuters
Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Folarin Balogun to Brighton & Hove Albion, Ian Maatsen to West Ham United and Cedric Soares to Villarreal.

Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly ready to explore the possibility of signing Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun during this summer's transfer window.

There is currently widespread speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future, with Inter Milan and AC Milan both believed to be interested in bringing him to Serie A.

Balogun scored 22 goals during an excellent season on loan at Reims last term, with 21 of those goals coming in Ligue 1, but it is unclear whether he will stay with Arsenal this summer.

According to CBS Sports, Brighton are keeping a close eye on his situation, with the Seagulls keen to bring him to the club before the end of the transfer window.

Balogun, who is currently representing Arsenal on their pre-season tour of the United States, has only scored twice in 10 first-team appearances for the Gunners.

Ian Maatsen in action for Burnley against West Bromwich Albion on September 2, 2022.© Reuters

Meanwhile, West Ham United are keen on signing Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen during this summer's transfer window.

The 21-year-old excelled during a loan spell at Burnley during the 2022-23 campaign, making 42 appearances in all competitions, and he is now back with his parent club for pre-season.

After scoring twice in Chelsea's 5-0 win over Wrexham, Maatsen expressed a desire to remain at Stamford Bridge for the coming season.

However, there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, and according to The Sun, West Ham are keen to sign him during the summer market.

The report claims that Chelsea value the defender in the region of £20m, which David Moyes's side would be prepared to pay in order to bring him to London Stadium.

Cedric Soares warms up for Arsenal in October 2022© Reuters

Another London-based defender could also be on the move, with TEAMtalk claiming that Villarreal are keen to sign Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.

The Portugal international has been left out of his team's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, which is likely to lead to the full-back departing the Emirates Stadium.

The report claims that Villarreal are interested in signing Cedric, while a number of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation in North London.

A loan move for the defender is not believed to be an option, with Arsenal only prepared to let him leave on a permanent basis.

The 31-year-old made the move to the Gunners from Southampton in 2020, and he has represented the capital outfit on 59 occasions in all competitions.

Manchester United's Antony in action with West Ham United's Aaron Cresswell on May 7, 2023© Reuters

Meanwhile, according to The Guardian, Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to raise their offer in order to sign West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell this summer.

The full-back is widely expected to leave the Hammers during the current window, with Wolves believed to be at the head of the queue for his signature.

Wolves are thought to have placed an opening offer of £2.5m on the table, but West Ham want at least £5m for the experienced defender.

Cresswell made the move to West Ham from Ipswich Town in 2014, and he has represented the London club on 331 occasions in all competitions.

The Englishman was again a regular for Moyes's side last season, featuring 38 times, including 28 appearances in the Premier League.

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3Liverpool34228475344174
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5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
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8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
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10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
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12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
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