Folarin Balogun hints at Arsenal exit amid Inter Milan transfer links
Folarin Balogun has suggested he is open to leaving Arsenal this summer amid links to Inter Milan. The future of the young striker is up in the air at the moment following a brilliant, breakthrough loan spell at Reims last season where he scored 22 goals in 39 games across all competitions.
Mikel Arteta wishes to assess him during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA, with Balogun facing competition from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a place in the squad. But while that process is ongoing, the American international is attracting much transfer interest, most notably from Inter who are looking at him after pulling out of talks with Chelsea over a deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Reports suggest that the Serie A club are set to make a bid of around £34million for the 22-year-old, but the Gunners want at least £50m, though they could be persuaded to lower their asking price if a buy-back clause or huge sell-on fees are added.
Balogun Open to Leaving Arsenal
As for the player himself, Balogun has now spoken out about the transfer rumours, hinting that he could be content to leave the Emirates. ‘I obviously went away and the point was to prove I could play first team football,’ he said, as quoted by The Athletic.
‘I feel I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level. I think with me coming back it’s not really much of a situation where I think I can need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it’s a decision that’s not really with me. Whatever happens I’m cool with it.’
Balogun has two years left on his contract and has spoken previously about his desire to play regular football, something that is far from guaranteed under Arteta right now. Arsenal could be tempted to cash-in on their academy graduate to help balance the books after splashing just under £200m on new signings so far this summer, namely Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Conclusion
Folarin Balogun has hinted that he could be open to leaving Arsenal this summer amid links to Inter Milan. The 22-year-old has had an impressive loan spell at Reims last season and is now attracting much transfer interest from the Serie A club. Reports suggest that Inter are set to make a bid of around £34million for Balogun, but the Gunners want at least £50m.
Balogun has two years left on his contract and has spoken previously about his desire to play regular football, something that is far from guaranteed under Arteta right now. Arsenal could be tempted to cash-in on their academy graduate to help balance the books after splashing just under £200m on new signings so far this summer.
For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.