10 August 2023 , 07:46
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Arsenal are playing hardball with Monaco over the sale of Folarin Balogun after West Ham made their interest known in the in-demand striker.
Balogun is attracting lots of transfer interest following an eye-catching season on loan with Stade Reims last season. The 22-year-old scored 22 goals in 39 appearances with Reims and is one of the hottest properties on the market at the moment.
Arsenal are willing to sell, despite losing Gabriel Jesus to knee surgery, but are in no rush to agree a deal. Balogun is desperate to play first-team football and is therefore happy to leave north London this summer, with Monaco, West Ham, Inter Milan and AC Milan among his suitors.
Monaco are looking for a striker after Breel Embolo suffered a long-term injury, but their initial approach has been pushed back. According to RMC Sport, their opening bid of €40million (£34m) has been rejected by the Gunners, who are aware the US international is worth over £40m in this market.
Monaco have reportedly made the signing of Balogun their priority and have an ‘agreement in principle’ with the striker. However, the Independent reports that West Ham have emerged as a credible suitor.
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The Hammers are flush with the £105m they received from Arsenal for Declan Rice and are busy making deals. David Moyes’ side have agreed a £30m fee with Manchester United for Harry Maguire and are close to signing Ajax’s Edson Alvarez and Southampton ’s James Ward-Prowse.
Balogun is behind Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order at Arsenal, while Mikel Arteta chose to play Kai Havertz as a false No9 in the Community Shield on Sunday. He has been open with his desire to start with regularity and is open to a move.
Folarin Balogun is hot property this summer (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! How much is Folarin Balogun worth and should Arsenal sell? Comment below.
“I obviously went away and the point was to prove I could play first team football. I feel I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level,” he said while on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States last month.
“I think with me coming back it's not really much of a situation where I think I need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it's a decision that's not really with me. Whatever happens I'm cool with it.”
Arsenal have signed Rice, Havertz and Jurrien Timber so far this summer at a cost of over £200m and are close to announcing the signing of David Raya. The Brentford goalkeeper will join on a season-long loan for £3m, with an option to make it permanent for £27m at the end of the campaign.
They are working hard on departures to fund the possible signing of a new holding midfielder. Nicolas Pepe could finally leave amid interest from Besiktas, while Marquinhos is set for another loan spell, this time with Nantes.
Alex Runarsson, Cedric Soares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares are all available for transfer and there is interest in Jorginho from Turkey.