Inter Milan have made a £34million offer for Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun after losing out on Romelu Lukaku.
While submitting their first bid, the Italian side have also offered the striker a five-year contract, worth around £70,000-per-week. It’s expected Balogun would be interested in a move to the Serie A, however the two clubs will have to agree on a fee first.
Inter Milan’s opening offer is £34million paid across five instalments which is a lot lower than Arsenal would be willing to accept this summer. However the Italian giants are hoping adding a buy-back clause and sell-on clause within the offer could help lower Arsenal’s valuation a little.
The Italian club see Folarin Balogun as the perfect alternative to Romelu Lukaku after failing to agree a deal with Chelsea over a permanent deal for the Belgian striker. Inter will now turn their attention to the USA international who is at the top of their list, according to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio.
Arsenal want close to £50million if the player is to leave the club ahead of next season and negotiations are underway with Inter to find an agreement. 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.
READ MORE: Chelsea player was advised to join Arsenal and now he regrets his decision.
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.
Crystal Palace, Chelsea, 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.
Mikel Arteta is yet to make a decision on Balogun’s future who is on the plane, along with the rest of the Arsenal squad, to the United States where they will continue their preparation ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Mikel Arteta will continue to look at the 21-year-old closely during pre-season and only then make a decision on his future. However it’s looking likely the player will leave North London this summer.
NEXT ARTICLE: Five first-team players missing: A list of the players on the plane to the United States.
