Arsenal have reportedly slapped a hefty price tag on Folarin Balogun, who looks set to leave the Emirates permanently this summer.
The striker was in fine form while on loan at Reims last season. But, due to him wanting consistent minutes, Mikel Arteta is seemingly willing to offload him.
Indeed, as previously reported by Football365, Balogun is tipped to push for an exit. And, there is certainly no shortage of interest in him.
Several Premier League clubs have registered an interest in the 22-year-old. Also, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter have Balogun on their radar.
That is no surprise, either, given his form in Ligue 1 last term. Balogun made 37 league appearances for Reims, scoring 21 goals in the process.
Now, according to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have put a £50m price tag on Balogun. This is in contrast to previous reports, which claimed the Gunners would be willing to accept £35m.
As a result, Balogun could be Arsenal’s most lucrative sale of the summer window. So, it will be interesting to see if anyone meets their increased valuation.
But, he will not be the only player to leave the Emirates. This is due to the fact that Arsenal are looking to bring in funds to help finance their own additions.
For instance, Kai Havertz recently signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65m. Also, they are very close to finalising a deal for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who will cost them £105m. Jurrien Timber looks set to join the Gunners imminently, too.
Therefore, as per the Mirror’s report, four other Arsenal players, along with Balogun, look set to be axed by Arteta.
These are winger Nicolas Pepe, midfielder Albert Sambi-Lokonga, full-back Cedric Soares and defender Nuno Tavares.
The quintet all spent last season out on loan and it seems unlikely they would break into Arteta’s starting XI next term.
Balogun, however, was certainly the standout performer. And, he has made it clear that he won’t go out on loan or sit on the bench.
“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,” Balogun said.
“I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.”
As mentioned, Balogun has received plenty of interest from the Premier League. Reports suggest Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, Fulham and Everton are among the clubs to have ‘made contact’ with Arsenal over signing him.
Whether or not they are willing to pay £50m for the youngster, however, remains to be seen.
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