Inter Milan want to prioritise a move for Folarin Balogun over other striker targets, with talks underway with intermediaries to find a solution.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Inter Milan are keen to sign Folarin Balogun on priority, having moved him up their list of potential strikers. The Serie A giants have accelerated their pursuit of the €40 million-rated Arsenal prospect. But the road is long before securing the USMNT star.
Folarin Balogun, in the backdrop of a 22-goal season with Reims, made it clear he will not leave Arsenal on a loan deal. He either wants guarantees from Mikel Arteta about playing time next season or would prefer a permanent move away from the club.
Arteta does not seem too fussed about the striker’s situation, as Arsenal are open to doing a deal if a good offer comes by. Going by multiple sources, the Gunners consider him a high-value asset and will not undersell him in the market.
Suggestions of a €50 million demand are rife in the media. But so far, Inter Milan are the only club keen to sign the USMNT star. They also want the deal done under €40 million, including bonuses. Reports of a loan offer also came about, with Inter Milan ready to include an obligation-to-buy clause in the contract.
Such a scenario will please the Arsenal bosses. But ideally, they would want to finish the deal now rather than later. Moreover, they would demand more for the striker, especially after Manchester United’s €85 million agreement for Rasmus Hojlund with Atalanta.
Whether the Danish striker’s move affects the Balogun chase remains the question. But it could have a rippling effect. Arsenal have shown in recent times they will not sell their stars cheaply. Inter Milan are already talking to intermediaries to accelerate the Balogun pursuit.
They were reportedly talking to Arsenal and negotiating a fee, apparently. But that may not have any truth to it. However, recently, they have bumped Balogun up their list of potential strikers, with Alvaro Morata no longer a target for the Serie A side.
They also had eyes on Beto and Gianluca Scamacca but no longer see the dup as a viable option. As for Balogun, they hope to wrap up a deal for around €40 million, including bonuses, something they were willing to pay Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku earlier.