Arsenal could be set for a huge "discount" to their deal with West Ham for Declan Rice thanks to young striker Folarin Balogun this summer.
The Gunners are set to break their club-record transfer fee spent on a player by landing the 24-year-old midfielder in the coming days - with the previous record held by Nicolas Pepe at £72million. The move is believed to be worth a huge £105million, with a final agreement reached with the Hammers.
The England international will make a switch to the Emirates Stadium over rivals Manchester City, who did lodge some offers of their own before backing out of the running. With contracts drafted and medicals claimed to have been passed, at this stage there's only a final green light to be given before the announcement.
With such a huge deal, it's a signal of intent from the Gunners to their rivals as to where they want to be next season and for the years to come. However, there will also have to be some movement within the squad itself to keep balance and make room for the finances to work out too.
Granit Xhaka has already made a move away, joining Bayer Leverkusen on a deal football.london understands to be worth £21.5million. football.london also understands his former midfield partner Thomas Partey could also leave if a suitable offer is received.
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There could be yet more outgoings, including a move for young striker Folarin Balogun, following his successful loan spell with Reims. The USMNT international could be on the lookout for more guaranteed playing time than he may be guaranteed with the Gunners, though a pre-season spell with Mikel Arteta may yet change that.
football.london understands there is interest in the Hale Ender, with German side RB Leipzig amongst those monitoring a switch. Reports have also claimed that West Ham have shown an interest, with valuations set on Balogun ranging from £30million-to-£50million.
The Hammers are the current favourites to land the youngster this summer, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes, and if they pay the top fee, it could see Arsenal receive a £50million net spend discount on the Rice move. It remains to be seen if that will happen, but it could give them the wiggle room to make even more signings in the window.
