West HamandMonacoare emerging as main competitors forFolarin Balogunas they are currently the only two clubs capable of meeting Arsenal’s £40m-plus asking price.
The young striker’s preference had been to go to one of the Milan clubs, with Internazionale looking likeliest, but the Champions League finalists cannot get close to the fee.
If that is the case, he is open to either alternative option, although staying in thePremier Leaguelooks more attractive.
The fact Balogun enjoyed his productive period on loan atReimslast season nevertheless ensures he is willing to give Ligue 1 much greater consideration than other players would.
Arsenal are seeking to make at least one more significant sale in order to bring in a number six, as Mikel Arteta seeks to add more variety to his midfield.
The issue is that, just like with strikers, there aren’t many midfielders of that profile available for purchase at the moment.
Balogun scored 21 goals forReimslast season, behind only Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette and Jonathan David, but faces being behind Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order atArsenal.
