Chelsea remain in talks with Arsenal over a deal for Folarin Balogun.
As reported by Football Transfers, Chelsea are in negotiations with Arsenal, as they are seeking to secure the services of striker Folarin Balogun.
The forward has apparently agreed personal terms with the Blues, but an agreement between the clubs on a fee is yet to be reached. Earlier this summer, the Gunners put a £50 million price tag on Balogun.
The 22-year-old is in high demand this summer, having enjoyed a fine campaign on loan with Reims last season. Balogun managed to score 21 goals in Ligue 1 during his stint with the French outfit.
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Despite the success of his loan spell, though, the USA international hasn’t been able to fight his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans. The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and summer signing Kai Havertz are ahead of Balogun in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
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Making the Balogun sale benefit Arsenal
Arsenal need to make sales this summer, and Balogun is an in-demand asset that could fetch a large fee. The Gunners are hoping to cash in on the attacker, but there must be doubts over the matter of allowing him to join a direct rival such as Chelsea.
Despite a terrible campaign by their own standards last time out, Chelsea will be aiming to push for a top four finish in the Premier League this time around. Balogun could help them hugely in achieving that aim, if he can translate his form from France into the English top flight.
Even if it came with the caveat of a slightly lower fee, Arsenal must do all they can to try and shift Balogun out to a foreign club, where he can’t come back to haunt them later on this season.
Given that Balogun has been described as “one of the most exciting young forwards in world football” by a previous coach, Arsenal must take measures to ensure his exit works for them and doesn’t simply strengthen a club like Chelsea.