Chelsea are the latest club to show an interest in signing Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have opened talks with Arsenal‘s Folarin Balogun as their search for a new number nine continues with the start of the new season now under 40 days away. However with many big clubs interested in the Arsenal striker this summer, its thought the Gunners would be reluctant to let him leave to a Premier League rival.
Folarin Balogun has confirmed that he wants to be a starting striker wherever he decides to play his football next season after a very successful season under William Still at Stade De Reims.
Folarin Balogun ended his loan spell with 21 goals and 3 assists in 37 appearances in Ligue One which had meant many clubs around Europe are now keeping a close eye on the Arsenal loanee ahead of the summer. The 21-year-old missed out on the golden boot to Kylian Mbappe, however he still managed to outscore Lionel Messi and Neymar this season.
After his outstanding displays throughout 2022/23, Mikel Arteta now faces a transfer dilemma ahead of next season. Folarin Balogun wants to continue playing as the main striker, however with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah currently fighting for the number nine at the Emirates, it’s difficult to see where Balogun fits in at Arsenal.
It’s looking likely the US international will be sold this summer, with his transfer value at an all-time high. Many clubs around Europe are interested in signing Folarin Balogun, who has two-year remaining on his current deal in North London.
According to Ryan Taylor of Express Sport, Crystal Palace have also joined the race to sign Folarin Balogun, as they make an enquiry on the striker’s availability this summer. Bids are expected to arrive soon for the 21-year-old.
Arsenal set price of £40million on Folarin Balogun ahead of the summer. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports has recently reported that Inter Milan are interested in signing Balogun this summer, and they’re expected to make a formal approach for the striker soon.
Napoli, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille, and AS Monaco have also recently been linked with a move for the young striker. The more interest the better for Arsenal as they look to drive a big fee after the outstanding season Balogun had in France last year.
Arsenal are reportedly set to value the 21-year-old striker at £50million this summer, which will provide a decent amount of money for the Gunners who are expected to have one of the busiest transfer windows in the clubs history.
David Ornstein recently broke the news regarding Folarin Balogun’s future: “Florian Balogun wants to be a first-choice striker at Arsenal next season. This is unlikely to happen so he could be sold, amid huge interest following an extremely successful loan spell at Reims.”
Mikel Arteta is yet to make a decision on Balogun’s future yet and will sit down with the player once he returns from his loan spell ahead of next season. However it’s looking likely the player will leave North London come the summer transfer window.
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