Arsenal transfer news: The latest Gunners media briefing with reaction to stories on Kylian Mbappe and Folarin Balogun as the summer window drama ramps up.
Welcome to thefootball.londontransfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Arsenal going on in the market we’ve got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what’s what in the world of the Gunners.
Kylian Mbappe meeting
Kylian Mbappeis ready to meet with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on Tuesday. The player signalled his intentions to leave the club when his contract runs out next year and has ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ he will not be signing a new Ԁєɑł.
Last month Mbappe shocked the world when his decision became public and it has caused unrest at Parc des Princes as they prepare to lose their prize asset. Now, with the prospect of potentially watching the 24-year-old move on for free in 12 months time, PSG have to decide whether to cash in on Mbappe now.
He has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium previously and fɑɴȿ will eagerly await the outcome of meetings between PSG and Mbappe with the tantalising thought that it might open up a potential move for the player.
football.londonsays:It’s hard not to be excited by any Mbappe exit news. Arsenal have never been a more attractive club to join, and frankly, Mbappe fits the bill for a lot of Mikel Arteta’s ρłɑɴs: he’s quick, flexible across the frontline and a genuinely elite attacker.
His dribbling in tandem with the creativity of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard is tantalising to think about. In previous years it would have been out of the equation but with funds to spєɴԀ, Champions League football to offer and a squad make-up that suits Mbappe’s age, it is hard not to see Arsenal at least being in the conversation.
A year ago ago they wouldn’t have been in with any chance of signing Declan Rice or Kai Havertz but here they are. Mbappe is surely going to be on Real Madrid’s radar too but outside of Los Blancos, where else can he go and who else can actually afford him?
There’s no certainty that the Spanish capital is his next home either. PSG won’t want to sell to Madrid simply due to the look of the Ԁєɑł; once more this just raises that chance of an Arsenal move slightly more. Never say never, allow yourselves to dream.
Balogun ultimatum
Arsenal are set to have their resolve tested by Inter Milan in the coming days with an opening bid forFolarin Balogun. According to ɾєρօɾτs, the Serie A giants are preparing to submit a bid in the region of £34.4million ($44.9million) for the USMNT star.
Inter have identified the 22-year-old as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku after deciding against re-signing the striker. Having already signed Marcus Thuram on a free transfer, the Italian giants are now preparing to make a move for Balogun.
The said bid will fall below Arsenal’s £50million ($65million) valuation of him.
football.londonsays:It was only going to be a matter of time that Balogun would be the subject of sincere interest. Arsenal are set to be faced with a major issue to solve, with the striker expected to be tempted by the move.
His game is perfectly suited to European football, with his electric pace and ability to peel off the shoulder of the final defєɴԀer two of his best attributes. With Champions League football to offer and the chance to work with some of the best players in Italy, you can see why Balogun would be tempted.
The question remains whether Arsenal will accept their loss and lose some of the value they had expected to recoup. The long list of interest clubs means the saga could drag on for some time.
Balogun has recently admitted that he believes in his ability to play at the highest level. Should Inter make an offer, the ball will be in Arsenal’s court.
