A departure from Arsenal for Folarin Balogun looks highly likely this summer with the Gunners unable to fulfil a number of his wishes. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a scintillating loan spell at Reims where he has scored 20 goals from 36 Ligue 1 appearances which has in turn significantly risen his stock ahead of his imminent return to Emirates Stadium.
Talks regarding his future are scheduled for the summer but the outcome already appears highly likely. Understandably, Balogun wants first-team assurances and is not interested in another loan spell, but Mikel Arteta cannot guarantee consistent game time with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him in the pecking order.
Both AC Milan and Inter have held a long-term interest in the forward and with the summer window fast approaching, more clubs are beginning to enter the race. A major decision has already been made by Balogun this year which saw him switch his national allegiance to the USA from England after approval from FIFA.
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With two years remaining on his contract, a sale in the upcoming trading period seems a formality especially with his recent form. Despite the Gunners likely wanting Balogun to stay, while the Hale End grad will likely push for an exit if his wishes aren't granted, the power could actually be in the hands of Edu and Mikel Arteta.
According to The Athletic, AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille and Monaco are all monitoring his situation ahead of the summer. The Gunners currently value him at £35million, however several clubs contacting Arsenal could see a bidding war take place which subsequently may see his price rocket up.
Selling Balogun will give Arteta and Edu a healthy transfer windfall they can use to make necessary additions to their squad. football.london understands that Declan Rice is the top target for the summer and a second midfield signing is within the realms of possibility given Granit Xhaka looks set to sign for Bayer Leverkusen.
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