Manchester United might not be putting up the same fight in terms of the title as in previous decades but their latest potential transfer could well sting for Arsenal fans.
The Gunners have ran completely clear of United in recent years after the back and forth battles of the Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger years.
Still, United never go away and with Michael Carrick in permanent charge, they’re expected to be busy this summer.
And after already nabbing Arsenal’s teenage sensation Chido Obi Martin last year, the Red Devils could be set to land another blow on Arsenal.
Could Folarin Balogun end up being Arsenal’s biggest transfer mistake in recent times?
Man United’s Folarin Balogun interest could leave a sour taste for Arsenal fans
Speaking on the latest episode of The United Stand podcast, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed United’s interest in Balogun.
“The second part of the question in terms of other names. Flo Balogun is somebody that Manchester United are discussing as a possibility,” Jacobs revealed.
“Doesn’t really tick the box of that like experienced forward in terms of age but falls into a category of somebody that is um kind of quite aware of how to play in the Premier League because obviously he was at Arsenal and has done well at Monaco and excellent at the World Cup.”
Normally, this wouldn’t bother anyone at Arsenal but with the signing of Obi Martin as well, this could well sting for Gunners fans.
Losing young Chido was one thing but seeing Balogun go on and be as good as he’s been at the World Cup only for him to wind up at United will leave questions being asked.
Sure, Arsenal pocketed a healthy fee north of £30m when they sold Balogun to Monaco.
But once again, as we see with so many young players, it looks like the Gunners might have let a top talent go too soon.
Yes, some will argue that without the nurturing in France and the time to develop, Balogun would never have reached the heights he has.
But it begs the question also of why Arsenal are not giving these young strikers more of a chance? Of course, the argument there is that Mikel Arteta needed players for the here and now and that has been proven in winning the title last season.
However, should Balogun end up at Old Trafford and we see a thrilling partnership of him and Obi Martin in years to come, it will indeed be a head scratcher.
For now, Arsenal fans have the full trust in Arteta, Andrea Berta and the board. But if United rise with these two spearheading and the Gunners don’t produce their own top striker, then questions will start to be asked.
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