Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun as a potential replacement for Edin Dzeko, with their sporting director Piero Ausilio reportedly flying to London for talks, according to a report from Italy.
Dzeko has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, leaving Inter in need of a new striker. However, they face competition from AC Milan and Roma for Balogun’s signature.
🚨 Inter Milan are in contact with Arsenal over the potential signing of Folarin Balogun, with sporting director Piero Ausilio in London on transfer business.
🗣️ Ausilio reportedly tested the waters for Folarin Balogun, with Arsenal demanding a fee in the region of €40m (£34m).… pic.twitter.com/MwHvyEMJbx
— afcsphere (@afcsphere) June 15, 2023
Inter views the USMNT international as an ideal successor to Dzeko and would prefer an initial loan deal to alleviate their financial situation.
On the other hand, Arsenal are more inclined towards an outright sale and has placed a €40 million price tag on the 21-year-old, who progressed through their academy.
Balogun recently had a successful loan stint at Reims in Ligue 1, thoroughly impressing with 21 goals in 37 appearances. Despite interest from other clubs, the report also suggested that Arsenal are open to retaining him as competition and backup for Gabriel Jesus in their squad.
After the Inter links emerged, some fans made their feelings known
I wouldn't sell Balogun to Inter for €30m, because if Balogun belonged to Inter scoring 21 League goals and Arsenal tried to sign him, they won't sell for €30m pic.twitter.com/oXrnBVoD3y
— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) June 16, 2023
With Mikel Arteta’s squad back in the Champions League next season, they will require a larger squad to cope with the demands.
The Hale End academy product’s addition to the team would provide valuable depth. However, the young striker, after enjoying regular playing time at Reims, is keen to continue his development and may be enticed by the prospect of more minutes at a bigger club.
As negotiations unfold, it remains to be seen whether Inter Milan or any other interested parties can meet Arsenal’s valuation and convince Balogun to make a move. The outcome will shape both Arsenal’s striking options and Inter’s plans for the upcoming season.
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Both Millans club has shown an interest as he could also replace the old lamp post at AC Millan.
But with reports of Napoli now joining the que could makes things a whole lot more interesting.
At Napoli is an elite attacking bully by the name of Oshien, who once nearly joined us under the legendary Frenchman, the lad seems restless for a new challenge, resurrecting our intrest and landing the African would surely moves the dial.
The dillema is if we decide in keeping him, which im for, where do we place him in the pecking order. Do we promote him ahead of Nkethia and make him the #2. Or do we use him as an impact striker and use him mostly off the bench?
I think the former. Nkethia has already commited to the club for the forseeable future so i think the club should take a gamble & guarantee Balogun at least say 20 games as a starter to prove himself.
Jesus the #1 should still get +30 games depending our far our cup runs go. Nkethia can be used as a sub to both or as a replacement fot any injury.
ALWAYS FORWARD!!! (trench by trench)