Arsenal are reportedly ready to consider offers for Folarin Balogun, with Inter Milan the latest side to join the hunt.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Arsenal could sell Folarin Balogun if sizeable offers arrive for the striker. The 22-year-old returned to pre-season after a tremendous campaign with Reims, and now Inter Milan have joined the hunt for the USMNT forward.
There is a lot of speculation surrounding Folarin Balogun’s future, with Arsenal finding themselves at a crossroads to make an important decision. The 22-year-old forward has two years left on his deal, and if he decides against penning a new contract, the Gunners could sell.
Mikel Arteta wanted to see what the striker could bring to his squad and has duly taken him to the USA pre-season tour. Clubs tend to leave transfer-listed stars out of such travels, but Balogun remains part of the Spaniard’s plans.
Many clubs have been keen on signing him after the 21-goal star had a tremendous season on loan at Reims. RB Leipzig had already made their presence felt after registering an interest, while there were rumours about talks with Chelsea recently.
Inter will ask for final conditions of Folarin Balogun deal early next week. Balogun is open to permanent move but Arsenal are expected to request important fee ✨🇺🇸
Balogun, part of Inter list after Lukaku deal off. Mbala Nzola and Benjamin Sesko are not in the list. pic.twitter.com/BJpR7hEMJd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2023
In truth, Arsenal have plenty of options in the forward areas with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and new arrival Kai Havertz. Hence, they could consider sizeable offers for Balogun if the striker wants to leave. Few reports suggested the Gunners could demand £50 million for the 21-goal star, which may price out a few clubs.
Inter Milan are the latest side to show an interest amid recent developments in their striker search. Simone Inzaghi wants a striker besides Marcus Thuram, who arrived on a free transfer. Edin Dzeko has departed, and Romelu Lukaku will return to Chelsea.
They were keen on signing Lukaku but pulled out of the race altogether following the Belgian’s talks with Juventus. Inter Milan have asked about Balogun’s conditions, with the Chelsea frontman no longer an option. They could open talks with Arsenal, but the north Londoners will wait before selling.
The striker market is yet to evolve in this window, and Arsenal will feel they could get a better price in the latter stages. Hence, while Balogun remains a part of their pre-season tour, Arteta will thoroughly evaluate the forward during the three games in the US.
While a move might still happen, Inter Milan must show intent and make a sizeable offer to Arsenal’s liking. The Gunners will know the Italians could have the funds following the sale of Andre Onana and Marcelo Brozovic, which would not favour the Italian giants pursuing the 22-year-old.
