Folarin Balogun is reportedly a target for Italian champions Napoli this summer, with Arsenal demanding £30 million to part ways with him.
According to a report from Daily Mirror, Italian champions Napoli are keeping tabs on Folarin Balogun as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen. Arsenal will demand £30 million to part ways with the 21-year-old prospect.
Victor Osimhen has been linked with the move away from Napoli after his stupendous performances this season. Osimhen has 30 goals across all competitions and has helped Napoli win the league title. He helped them reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League as well.
There is no doubt that Osimhen is one of the best strikers on the planet right now. So it is hardly surprising that a number of top European clubs are looking to sign him. It will be interesting to see if Napoli can sign Balogun as his replacement.
The 21-year-old Arsenal prospect has had a prolific season on loan at Stade Reims. The youngster has scored 21 goals across all competitions, and he could prove to be a superb long-term acquisition for Napoli. Apparently, the striker is valued at £30 million and Napoli will certainly be able to afford him if they end up selling Osimhen.
Balogun might look to leave Arsenal this summer in search of regular first-team football. Mikel Arteta is unlikely to start him ahead of Gabriel Jesus. So it makes sense for the 21-year-old to leave this summer. The Gunners will want to hold on to a prized prospect like him. But they are powerless to stop him from leaving especially if they cannot offer him game-time assurances.
Napoli have done well to nurture talented young players like Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in recent seasons. They could help the Arsenal youngster develop into a prolific striker in the coming seasons as well.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal might be open to parting ways with the young prospect despite the promise he has shown. And with the Gunners showing interest in several strikers, including Elye Wahi, cashing in on a homegrown talent might benefit them.
