Folarin Balogun transfer news: Chelsea interested in signing Arsenal forward

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been linked with a number of top clubs this summer and London rivals Chelsea are the latest to consider a move for the 22-year-old.

Sky Sports reports that Chelsea are interested in adding Balogun to their striking options, a particular concern for head coach Mauricio Pochettino after the injury to Christopher Nkunku in preseason.

The Blues have not yet tabled a bid for Balogun but it would need to be a substantial offer to convince Arsenal to part with the young star.

Earlier this summer French side AS Monaco offered £34 million ($43m) for the striker, but their bid was rejected. Arsenal are thought to be holding out for £40 million ($51m) for Balogun, and with interest from the likes of Inter and AC Milan they are confident of finding a buyer at that price.

Will Folarin Balogun leave Arsenal this summer?

With a number of clubs searching for a central striker before the end of the summer transfer window, it looks like Balogun will leave the club that he joined at the age of eight.

Balogun, now 22, made his first team debut for the Gunners in 2020 but has made just two Premier League appearances for the club. He has spent the last two seasons on loan and is thought to favour a permanent move if he is not in Arteta’s first team plans.

Arsenal have spent big this summer to bring in the likes of Declan Rice (£105m), Kai Havertz (£65m) and Jurrien Timber (£38m). Selling a player would help to balance the books at the Emirates Stadium and Balogun is someone with an obvious market.

Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus is the first-choice number 9 at Arsenal, while Eddie Nketiah has become his deputy and scored in his absence last weekend. Beyond those two strikers, Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli can also play centrally if required.

With Balogun’s opportunities likely to be limited this season, a move away from Arsenal might be the best option for both parties.