Arsenal have slapped a £50m price tag on striker Folarin Balogun as Inter begin talks with the player’s representatives, 90min understands.
The USMNT international has recently returned to Arsenal following a hugely successful loan spell at Reims in Ligue 1. During his single season in France, the striker netted 21 goals in 37 league outings – a tally bettered by only Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Jonathan David.
Having rejected the opportunity to sign a new contract at the Gunners upon his return, 90min recently reported that the club have asked the player’s representatives to begin talking to interested parties in order to find a buyer.
One team that has emerged as suitors are Inter, who recently walked away from talks over bringing striker Romelu Lukaku back to San Siro on a permanent deal.
Folarin Balogun on his potential move away from Arsenal: pic.twitter.com/KgmIwiaBjp
— Lizzy Becherano (@lizzy_becherano) July 17, 2023
The UEFA Champions League finalists have initiated talks with Balogun’s representatives in recent days, while fellow Serie A side Atalanta and Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille has also enquired – although both teams’ interest is dependent upon the potential sales of Rasmus Hojlund (Atalanta) and Jonathan David (Lille) first.
A huge stumbling block that clubs have found with any potential move is Arsenal’s asking price. Sources have confirmed to 90min that Mikel Arteta’s side are keen to get £50m for the 22-year-old, but the player’s agents are hoping they can whittle the asking price down to around £40m.
Speaking exclusively to 90min at Arsenal’s training camp ahead of the clash with MLS All-Stars in Washington DC, the striker insisted that his focused remains on pre-season despite the rampant discussion about his future:
“I was away for the year, so I’m just back, I’m obviously just focused on pre-season with the team.”
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