Folarin Balogun has reached an agreement in principle with Monaco over a move, as the French giants also close in on convincing Arsenal.
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Folarin Balogun may have an agreement in place with Monaco to join them this summer. The French giants are also closing in on finding a breakthrough with Arsenal over a fee, with the move likely to see conclusion.
The Folarin Balogun saga might see the light at the end of the tunnel as Monaco are closing in on making a move for the USMNT star. Mikel Arteta has made it abundantly clear the striker does not feature in his plans for the season and that he’s happy to sell him to generate funds.
Balogun had demanded to play a regular role at Arsenal. However, with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and new arrival Kai Havertz, the USMNT star is well down in the pecking order. As the news got out, many clubs have since registered their interest, but none came as close as Monaco.
Arsenal had rejected an offer from Monaco earlier, as they kept pushing to achieve the £50 million asking price. The French giants have since kept on holding regular discussions for the 21-goal Arsenal prospect and find a way to get a deal done.
Monaco close to verbal agreement on fee with Arsenal for striker Folarin Balogun. Formal offer to follow ahead of discussing payment terms. Personal terms agreed in principle. Balogun impressed in Ligue Un on loan with Reims last season. 21 goals in 34 starts. #AFC #ASMonaco
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 24, 2023
In between, other teams entered the frame to see if they could sign the striker. Chelsea also enquired, but they were unwilling to pay the asking price. Tottenham were also rumoured to hold an interest, but things have gone cold since.
Monaco may already have an agreement in place with Balogun on personal terms, with the striker keen to join them. As per Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, the French giants are also close to agreeing on a fee with Arsenal. It shows that they have put together a package to appease the Gunners.
Arsenal will want to raise substantial funds in the last few days of the window, as Arteta may look to sign a new player in some position. Monaco are currently the favourites to land Balogun, as the next few days will prove crucial in this saga for the USMNT star.
