Fulham have entered the race to sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.
According to the Daily Mail, Fulham are considering a move for Folarin Balogun. They will target the Arsenal forward should Aleksandar Mitrovic complete his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Mitrovic’s departure would leave Marco Silva’s side in desperate need of a new striker. However, the fee that they would receive for the Serbian goalscorer would allow them to meet Arsenal’s £50 million asking price for Balogun.
Whilst Inter Milan and Monaco have made moves for Balogun already this summer, neither of those sides have so far been able to table an offer that Arsenal consider acceptable. Fulham’s expected transfer windfall, though, would put them in a position to get a deal done.
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Arsenal must make most of Balogun situation
It is no surprise that Balogun finds himself in such high demand this summer. The USA international was in sensational form whilst on loan with Reims in Ligue 1 last season. The 22-year-old netted 21 times in 37 appearances in the French top flight.
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However, his exploits on loan weren’t enough to see him climb up the pecking order at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta would prefer to stick with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as his regular options to lead the line, and the Gunners are keen to cash in on Balogun whilst his stock is high.
Balogun himself is desperate to keep playing regular football. He would get that chance at Craven Cottage in the wake of Mitrovic’s exit.
Whether the New York-born forward can replicate his League 1 form in the Premier League remains to be seen. If he can, then he will prove to be an excellent addition to Fulham’s squad.
Arsenal need to protect themselves in the event of Balogun going on to become an elite-level striker. In any deal that sees him leave the Emirate Stadium, the Gunners must strive to include either a buy-back option or sell-on clause.