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Serie A trio AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli are reportedly interested in Arsenal star Folarin Balogun after his exploits in Ligue 1.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal prospect Folarin Balogun has interest from Serie A giants AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli. The 21-year-old striker continues to have a sensational season in Ligue 1, and Mikel Arteta will likely decide on his long-term involvement.
Arsenal have a tricky decision regarding Folarin Balogun, who has had a tremendous season with Reims. The 21-year-old currently is joint-top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts alongside Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe with 15 goals.
While Reims have conceded their chances of retaining the Arsenal prospect, the north Londoners could evaluate offers in the summer. Mikel Arteta recently spoke glowingly about the striker and his qualities. However, his chances of succeeding at the Emirates remain in considerable doubt.
Moreover, Arsenal could sign a new forward amid links with Lautaro Martinez. Balogun spent decent time with Arteta’s first team last season but failed to make a mark under pressure. He has flourished in a different environment, which could let the club think about cashing in on the attacker.
Arsenal expect several offers for the 15-goal prospect in the summer, with several Serie A sides keen. AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli are all interested in Balogun, with each of those clubs likely to need a new striker in the next window.
While Arsenal could demand a fee close to £50 million, clubs, particularly from Italy, could look to negotiate and bring the price down. For instance, Milan have had to refresh their forward line, which has many veteran stars and some underperforming stars.
Divock Origi and Ante Rebic have endured difficult periods, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud are on the wrong ends of their careers. Balogun’s goalscoring record could tempt Milan into making an offer, but much of the decision will remain with Arsenal.
Similarly, Inter Milan could cash in on Lautaro Martinez and may seek a solid replacement in the market. Balogun could suit Simone Inzaghi’s system due to his physicality and clinical form in front of the goal.
There are doubts regarding Romelu Lukaku’s long-term future. The Belgian has struggled for relevance since returning to the club. They could enter a transfer battle with their arch-rivals Milan for the Arsenal prospect.
Finally, Napoli could enter the market for a new striker if Victor Osimhen leaves. Their track record in recent seasons with young forwards is astonishing. Balogun would certainly see that before deciding, provided he wants to move to Serie A.
All three clubs are on top of their game in Serie A and could prove a good destination for a player like Balogun. In the end, Arsenal will decide on the player’s future, who has a contract at the Emirates until June 2025.