Arsenal have now rejected a bid from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco for striker Folarin Balogun, amidst exit rumours surrounding the player.
That’s according to David Ornstein, who has now revealed that Monaco, whose directors have a good relationship with Arsenal, made a written offer for the 22-year-old, which was rejected after a verbal proposal was made following the friendly clash between the two sides earlier this week.
Balogun scored 18 times in Ligue 1 whilst on loan at Stade De Reims last season, and Monaco are now in the market for a striker. Forward Breel Embolo has picked up a long-term injury, and the sale of Axel Disasi to Chelsea has boosted the club’s transfer budget.
Ornstein has now confirmed in The Athletic that the offer from Monaco, for an unknown fee, was rejected by Arsenal but discussions between the clubs will continue, whilst Inter Milan are still interested, but may not be able to afford his asking price.
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Should Arsenal sell Balogun?
It seems clear now that Arsenal will be willing to sell the striker, who has hardly featured in pre-season, for the right price, but they are yet to receive an acceptable offer.
Given that Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz are all ahead of him in the pecking order, a departure feels inevitable, and Arsenal may look to insert a sell-on or even a buy-back clause into any deal.
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The strong relationship between Edu Gaspar and Thiago Scuro may give Monaco the edge in the transfer pursuit of Balogun. Given the strong interest from a number of clubs in the USA international, now seems the best time for Arsenal to cash in.
Mikel Arteta described Balogun as “really ambitious” last season, and there have been hints since his loan that he sees himself as a first-choice option, and this is currently not possible at the Emirates given the other options. With this in mind, it seems that his time at Arsenal will shortly come to an end.