Everton have joined Crystal Palace in the chase for Folarin Balogun, who could leave Arsenal in the summer.
The Folarin Balogun chase continues to pick up momentum as more clubs register their interest in the £30 million-rated Arsenal prospect. Football Insider has reported that Everton are the latest side to enter the chase along with Crystal Palace, with both teams looking for a new striker.
Folarin Balogun has set Ligue 1 alight with his performances for Stade Reims, where he is spending the season on loan. The Arsenal prospect has netted 18 strikes and is behind only Jonathan David, Alexandre Lacazette, and Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts.
While he is expected to return to Arsenal in the summer for the pre-season, his future remains doubtful. Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Balogun’s performances. But there’s no surety he has climbed up the pecking order at the Emirates.
Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Eddie Nketiah are ahead of Balogun in the Arsenal pecking order for strikers. Hence, reports suggest the £30 million-rated Balogun could leave if he is not guaranteed first-team minutes next season.
He will have two years left on his deal, which Arsenal might see as the best time to cash in. The report claims the Gunners could accept bids of around £30 million. But previous stories indicated they could demand significantly more for Balogun.
Many clubs are keen on the striker, and more could join as time progresses. Those include Premier League sides Everton and Crystal Palace, with the former the latest to join the chase for the £30 million-rated Arsenal prospect.
Everton desperately need a good striker who can provide ample goals. Considering Stade Reims play in a similar fashion that lacks creating clearcut chances, Balogun has managed to score plenty, which attracts their interest.
Their current forwards, Neal Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, have scored one league goal each this season. The Toffees find themselves scrapping in the relegation fight, as they intend to strengthen the side if they stay safe.
Crystal Palace face a similar problem with their strikers. Jean-Philippe Mateta has regressed in his role, while Odsonne Edouard has only been inconsistent in front of the goal. Both those forwards may not have a future beyond this season.
For now, Arsenal will focus on the Premier League title race and leave the transfer business to the summer. Balogun remains a highly-rated forward, and the Gunners could consider offers if they meet their valuations of the player, which may well be beyond the £30 million mark.
