Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun agrees terms with Premier League rivals Chelsea
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal prodigy Folarin Balogun has agreed terms to join Premier League rivals Chelsea in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Arsenal, eventually making his senior bow in 2020. He has since made 10 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting once. Balogun is primarily a centre forward but is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline if needed.
The United States star spent early 2022 on loan at Middlesbrough before moving to Stade Reims on a temporary arrangement for the 2022-23 campaign. It was in Ligue 1 that the youngster found his groove, finding the back of the net 21 times in 37 appearances in the French top flight.
In fact, Balogun was only outscored by PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, Olympique Lyonnais ace Alexander Lacazette and LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David in Ligue 1 last season. Having proven himself at the top level, Balogun has attracted interest from several sides this summer as an exit from north London beckons.
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While personal terms with Chelsea have been agreed, the Blues are yet to reach an agreement with Arsenal for their 22-year-old star. The Gunners are holding out for a massive fee and are keen to secure £50 million for Balogun’s services.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are unwilling to bid over £30m and a compromise will need to be reached for the striker to move to Stamford Bridge. West Ham United are also keen on Balogun and it remains to be seen if they will make a late punt for his services. With Balogun’s contract at The Emirates running until 2025, thy can afford to play hardball in negotiations.
It is nos secret that Chelsea need a prolific striker this summer. The Blues are struggling for goals and have frozen out Romelu Lukaku. Armando Broja is still not fully fit while Nicolas Jackson is far from prolific and is a raw talent.
It is perhaps curious that they are keen on Balogun given that the 22-year-old is largely unproven in the Premier League. The English top flight is a massive step up from Ligue 1 and it remains to be seen if Balogun can adapt to the league from the word go.
Chelsea moving for an Arsenal star represents a new pattern in terms of dynamics between both teams. In recent years, Arsenal have ended up signing Chelsea outcasts such as David Luiz, Willian, Petr Cech and Jorginho among others. It would now appear that it is the Blues who are moving for Gunners stars lower down the pecking order. As the summer transfer window draws to a close, it remains to be seen who blinks first.
