Arsenal are happy to sell striker, Folarin Balogun this summer as long as their valuation of the player is met.
According to famous insider Teamnewsandtix via GiveMeSport, Arsenal are reportedly “happy to sell” striker Folarin Balogun to potential suitors, provided their valuation of £50million is met.
This clears up months of speculation over Balogun’s future; a consistent topic of discussion during his loan spell at Reims in Ligue One.
Racking up an impressive 21 goals in 37 league games over in France, Balogun’s quality shone through and it is clear that he would add value to Arsenal’s first team squad under Mikel Arteta.
However, it does now appear that Arteta is willing to sanction the sale of the 22-year-0ld, whilst demanding a significant £50m price in return. Provided Arsenal manage to receive this sum, this would be the Gunners’ record sale, and by a significant margin; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £32.5m transfer to Liverpool currently stands as the largest sum Arsenal have recouped from any sale.
Considering Balogun is only 22-years-old, and has 2 years left on his current deal, this summer would appear to be the optimal time to let him go, if the striker does not appear to be in Arteta’s plans.
Balogun has previously stated his desires to find a permanent home this summer; “What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,”, Balogun stated in an interview with BBC Sport.
READ MORE: Arsenal drop hint that Declan Rice deal is complete.
Why may clubs be interested in Balogun?
It is easy to see why clubs may be interested in the Arsenal striker; at only 22 years of age, Balogun has plenty of scope to develop further.
In arguably his first full season in a competitive league, Balogun’s 21 goals helped him to 4th in the Ligue 1 top scorers list; ahead of big names such as Lionel Messi, Wissam Ben Yedder, Neymar, and more.
Clubs looking at Balogun may also recognise the potential revenue he would bring in from sponsorships stemmin from the USA; arguably the face of US football now, the potential TV and marketing power Balogun’s potential transfer may hold cannot be ignored.
Why may Arsenal be willing to let him go?
From an Arsenal perspective, his age and contract show that this would be a smart time to sell Balogun, whilst increasing the selling power the club is trying to generate.
It is hard to guarantee the US international a starting spot or regular game time, with players such as Gabriel Jesus and perhaps Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah all Premier League proven, and thus, likely higher up in the pecking order.
Which clubs are interested?
As expected, Balogun is generating significant interest across Europe; with Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan and fellow London club Crystal Palace most prominently linked, as well as Brighton who are in the Europa League next season. There is also strong interest from Germany and France for the Arsenal striker this summer.
NEXT ARTICLE: Why Declan Rice deal is delayed, West Ham’s FFP struggle.
