In their FA Community Shield clash, Folarin Balogun was not on the bench for Arsenal against Man City. Due to Injury and transfer links, the 22-year-old American soccer star has not featured in most pre-season games.
There have been offers from Monaco, A.C. Milan, and Inter Milan. The Arsenal forward looks unlikely to stay at the club as he’s pushing for a move away from the club.
AS Monaco to lodge second bid following Arsenal’s first bid rejection
It looks unlikely that Folarin Balogun would depart the club on loan. Arsenal is working on an outright sale as the 22-year-old is desperate for first-team football. His determination for first-team football is evident in his decision to switch allegiance to the USA from England.
Gabriel Jesus currently occupies the spot he craves. Even though Jesus is absent due to injury, Eddie Nketiah has effectively stepped in to take his place. Hence, Arsenal cannot guarantee Folarin Balogun the first-team performance he desperately needs for his progress. Arsenal is prepared to sell him for an appropriate transfer fee, as Monaco and other top teams are interested.
However, Arsenal has rejected an initial bid from Monaco for the player. Arsenal and Monaco met in a pre-season game that Arsenal won on penalties. Folarin Balogun was not in the line-up due to a thigh injury.
The French side is convinced of the abilities of the young Arsenal striker. Folarin Balogun, on a loan spell with Stade de Reims last season, scored 22 goals. According to Football. London, Monaco is keen to bring in a striker after Swiss forward Breel Embolo suffered an ACL injury in pre-season.
Inter also in the race for the USMNT forward
Inter Milan are also admirers of the 22-year-old, although it is unclear if they have the budget to sign him. Arsenal are willing to let Folarin Balogun leave the club but only at the right price.
Not only Inter. AS Monaco want to try and big again for Folarin Balogun after initial proposal made on Monday, he's top target to replace Breel Embolo who broke his ACL ⚪️🔴🇺🇸
Both Inter and Monaco expect to have situation clear this week. pic.twitter.com/ktmvvrfwXx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2023
Inter Milan had already registered their interest in the player since last summer’s transfer window. Ben Jacobs reveals, “We know Inter [Milan] has been interested in him, having given up on Romelu Lukaku.
“Arsenal’s valuation for Balogun rightly so has gone up significantly, and that is because he had a fantastic season last campaign, and Balogun has made it clear, he’s said it on record that he’s not prepared to go out on loan.”
In a nutshell, Folarin Balogun will not go out on another loan. Arsenal are prepared to let the USMNT striker go, but only at the right price.
