22 August 2023 , 15:10
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Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is keen on a sensational move to Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to strengthen his attacking options and Chelsea are ready to step up their interest in the Arsenal striker. Monaco and Fulham are also keen on the 22-year-old who has been told he can leave this summer but Arsenal have been demanding a huge £50m fee.
It is believed Arsenal might ultimately be prepared to lower their sights and compromise just above £40m with time running out in the transfer window. But Chelsea’s interest will only intensify the battle to sign Balogun who would have no misgivings about joining a London rival.
There is still a big gap in valuation as Monaco have had a £34m bid turned down which is the highest offer Arsenal have had this summer and the price has already scared off the likes of AC Milan and RB Leipzig.
Chelsea are also understood to be a long way from meeting Arsenal’s price but believe that Balogun would be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
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Balogun did go on Arsenal’s pre-season trip to the United States but knows that his future lies elsewhere and is determined to prove himself at Premier League level. Balogun pledged his international future to the United States last season and his current deal expires run 2025.
Folarin Balogun could leave Arsenal in a permanent deal (Jose L Argueta/Getty Images)Have your say! Should Arsenal sell Balogun to Chelsea? Join the debate in the comments section.
But Arsenal want to cash in now to balance the books and there has been strong interest in the player who was prolific while on loan at Reims last season as he scored 21 league goals in 37 matches in France.
Chelsea have already spent £380m this summer - the spending since Todd Boehly’s takeover is hurtling towards £1billion - and now could be ready for another big outlay as a lack of goals and traditional No9 is a problem for Blues boss Pochettino.
Arsenal are still looking to also offload Nuno Tavares but again valuation put Nottingham Forest off and now Aston Villa are keen. Rob Holding has also been a target for Besiktas while Kieran Tierney finds himself out in the cold and available for £30m-plus.