Arsenal have rebuffed interest from Crystal Palace in Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon, Crystal Palace have shown an interest in signing Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun this summer. However, the Eagles will now explore other targets after Arsenal dismissed their interest in the duo.
The report states that Crystal Palace received ‘no encouragement’ from Arsenal when they enquired about the pair.
Balogun is available on the market this summer, but the Gunners want £50 million for the American striker. That sum is likely far beyond anything that Crystal Palace could stump up, which will be why Arsenal didn’t entertain their approach.
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As for Nketiah, the striker is clearly part of Mikel Arteta’s plans. He has played regularly in pre-season, and with Gabriel Jesus set to miss the first few weeks of the new season with injury, Nketiah is likely to lead the line for Arsenal in the Brazilian’s absence.
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Arteta’s choice between Balogun and Nketiah
Whilst there’s an argument that Balogun should be kept at the Emirates Stadium given Jesus’ injury, Arsenal’s need to cash in on the player is more pressing. The north London club need to raise some funds to help offset the spending they have already committed to in this transfer window.
Balogun was in brilliant form whilst on loan with Reims last season. Inter Milan have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, and Arteta will be hoping that a significant bid arrives from the Serie A outfit sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, the Spanish coach has shown huge faith in Nketiah. The 24-year-old forward will need to repay that this season, especially if Arsenal are to go one step better than last season and achieve their goal of clinching the Premier League title.