Premier League giants and free-spending capital side Chelsea are not done yet with the current summer transfer window and are now officially the latest club to be interested in Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun.
The 22-year-old United States international striker made it clear that he wants a move away from the Gunners this summer as he searches to be a recognized first-choice striker on the back of his excellent loan spell with Stade de Reims in 2022-23.
Balogun had previously been linked with a swath of clubs both in England and on the continent this summer, with AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United all interested in the Brooklyn-born forward at some stage. But that has not helped him secure a move away from the Emirates on the back of Arsenal’s demands surrounding the now £50m figure they hope to receive if they are to part ways with the youngster.
But now, a new contender has emerged in the vein of rivals Chelsea, who are reportedly keen on the striker per Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth.
This comes in the wake of Ligue 1 side AS Monaco having had a first bid recently rejected by Arsenal, who intend to try to hold firm in their valuation of the US international and are expected to return with an improved offer.
Told Chelsea interested in Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun. No formal bid, but interest is real. Monaco still pushing and expected to back in with improved offer. #CFC #AFC #ASMonaco
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 18, 2023
Though there has not been a bid from the Blues at this stage, Sheth has been told that their interest in the player is indeed real, which is likely owed to their lack of central attacking options despite the continued rampant spending that has been undertaken at Stamford Bridge under the guidance of Blueco headers Todd Boehley, Behdad Eghbali, Mark Walter, and Hansjörg Wyss.
It is unlikely that Arsenal would sell to Chelsea, but if the Gunners do explore that avenue, it is likely that their demands will increase over previous quotes given the rivalry that exists between the two capital clubs. As we have seen time and again, money appears to be no issue for the Blues, however, given the fact that across the last twelve months, the club has spent close to £900m to completely revamp the senior squad.
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