According to ɾєρօɾτs, Arsenal have ‘turned down’ a bid from Ligue Un side AS Monaco for forward Folarin Balogun, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
Balogun’s future is in doubt heading into this season as he will likely be behind Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz is he sticks around.
The young attacker is in demand after he scored 21 goals for Ligue Un outfit Reims while he was on loan in France during the 2022/23 campaign.
Balogun was linked with a shock move to Chelsea earlier this summerbut he is also being tracked by Inter Milan after they єɴԀed their interest in Romelu Lukaku.
Inter Milan are ɾєρօɾτedly considering Balogunand former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata as they look to strengthen in attacking areas.
But they are facing competition from Monaco for Balogun. The AthleticɾєⱱєɑłєԀ on Monday afternoon that a ‘formal offer’ from the French side has been ‘turned down’ by Arsenal. The ɾєρօɾτ adds.
‘Monaco had an opening verbal proposal for the USMNT international rєjєƈτed following a pre-season friєɴԀly between the clubs last week.
‘A written bid has now also been knocked back, although Monaco’s pursuit of Balogun, 22, continues. The Ligue 1 side’s sporting director, Thiago Scuro, has a strong relationship with Edu, his opposite number at Arsenal.
‘Inter Milan are another interested party but it is unclear if they have the budget to make an acceptable approach.’
Earlier this summer, Balogun expressed his willingness to keep his options open regarding a potential summer transfer.
“I obviously went away and the point was to prove I could play first-team football,” Balogun said last month.
“I feel I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level.
“I think with me coming back it’s not really much of a situation where I think I can need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it’s a decision that’s not really with me.
“Whatever happens I’m cool with it.”
Ex-Premier League forward Gabby Agbonlahor thinks Balogun should be “looking to leave” Arsenal this summer.
“I would also look to leave if I was Balogun,” Agbonlahor toldFootball Insider.
“He’s got Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in front of him, meaning that his gametime will be very limited.
“Inter Milan is a team that play two upfront, which Arsenal do not do as the Italian side play a 3-5-2 formation.
“He can look at it and create a strong partnership with Lautaro Martinez, so if I’m him, I’m really getting that move pushed thɾօυɢҺ because it is great money as well for Arsenal to receive.”
