Despite plenty of outside interest in Folarin Balogun this summer, the Arsenal striker may find it difficult to secure a permanent transfer this summer.
Many of the clubs interested in Balogun’s signature play in mainland Europe, where the transfer fees don’t tend to get as high as the Premier League – with the exception of a select few clubs.
So reports that Arsenal are asking for £50m for the striker may significantly limit the number of potential buyers.
Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports and Mark Irwin of The S*n report that Arsenal are standing firm on a £50m valuation for Balogun this summer, after his 22-goal campaign on loan with Reims.
Hazem Tarek claims Arsenal have been in ongoing negotiations with Balogun’s representatives since his loan spell, with Mikel Arteta impressed by his progress and keen to keep him.
Rather than actively looking to sell, Arsenal are only open to considering offers of £50m+, and Balogun is reportedly keen to compete for a place at his parent club.
It looks like a final decision will wait until after pre-season, giving the striker a chance to impress and win a spot in Arteta’s team before his future is determined.
L’Equipe recently reported that Marseille are considering a move for Balogun this summer, adding them to a list including Crystal Palace, Inter Milan, Napoli, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, and AS Monaco.
Whether any of those clubs are interested at a £50m price point is another matter.
Following his first goal and first silverware with the United States Men’s National Team, Balogun spoke to the media about his club future.
“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.”
Fabrizio Romano then reported that a meeting would take place soon between Balogun’s agents and Arsenal, to decide his future.