Inter Milan have stopped talks for Folarin Balogun amid his high asking price and focusing on a deal for Gianluca Scamacca instead.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan have switched their attention away from Folarin Balogun amid his huge asking price. The Serie A giants instead focuses on signing Gianluca Scamacca, having seen a bid rejected by West Ham United for the forward.
Inter Milan are stepping up their efforts to bring in a new striker after the developments in the last few weeks. Romelu Lukaku was their priority target for this window. The Serie A giants pulled out of the race after the Belgian held talks with rivals Juventus.
They had shortlisted other names for the role, with Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun emerging at the top. Inter Milan considered the USMNT striker a priority but were unwilling to pay beyond €40 million, including add-ons. The Gunners valued him higher, which has since proved unaffordable for the Italian side.
AS Roma are also interested in the Hammers forward, with Scamacca open to leaving London to return to Italy. With the race for the former Sassuolo star heating up, Inter Milan have decided to stop negotiations for Balogun with Arsenal.
Inter have currently stopped talks for Folarin Balogun deal as USMNT striker is considered too expensive 🇺🇸
Focus on Gianluca Scamacca deal, first bid rejected by West Ham but Inter will send new one soon ⚫️🔵
Talks never took place for Jonathan David; he’s also too expensive. pic.twitter.com/bVCWgQvDDK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2023
Despite considering Balogun their top priority among other strikers, Inter Milan are not keen to pay what Arsenal want. The Gunners may have quoted a massive fee for the USMNT star, with sources suggesting it could have been €50 million or more.
Inter Milan were only open to paying €40 million, including bonuses, which has stalled the move. Arsenal must have seen how the striker’s market evolved. They will have noticed how Manchester United agreed to an €85 million fee for Rasmus Hojlund.
Arsenal have every right to demand a significant fee for the young attacker after a prolific 21-goal season in Ligue 1. The Gunners could still hope to make the sale to another club, as there is still plenty of time left in this window.
Now, Inter Milan will focus on Scamacca and seek an agreement with West Ham. David Moyes has been trying to add to the side that has already lost Declan Rice in the summer. However, losing Scamacca after one season will not come across as a wise decision, considering their investment in the Italian.