Folarin Balogun ‘wants Chelsea transfer’ as Arsenal could be forced into deal

Arsenal and USA striker Folarin Balogun is keen on a move to London rivals Chelsea, and the Gunners could be pressured into a sale if the right offer is made – reports suggest. Chelsea are struggling for striker options despite spending more in the summer transfer window than any other team in history, and are interested in the 22-year-old.

Balogun enjoyed a breakthrough 2022/23 season on loan at French side Reims but is still yet to be given a real chance at Arsenal.

It was a defining season for Balogun, as he finally became a first-choice striker for a senior club and even committed his allegiance to the United States on the international stage. Balogun cut ties with England after voicing his disappointment in manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave him out of the squad and linked up with the USMNT instead.

Balogun has still only made two appearances for Arsenal, and has seen a £34million offer from Monaco rejected this summer. Arsenal value the striker close to £50m and it’s thought that Chelsea could be one of the only clubs interested in getting close to that figure.

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Chelsea have made a slow start to the 23/24 season, drawing 1-1 against Liverpool at home before losing 3-1 to West Ham United away. Their goals have come through Axel Disasi and Carney Chukwuemeka but are lacking a true goal scorer.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing Balogun, and Arsenal could be forced to accept an offer closer to £40m due to the transfer window closing on August 31, according to the Mirror. Balogun is behind both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the striking position at Arsenal, and they could either cut some of their losses on their new signings or use it to reinvest before the end of the window.

Arsenal have spent £208m on the signings of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz this summer, and received only £29.10m back from the sales of Granit Xhaka, Matt Turner, Pablo Mari, and Auston Trusty. Arsenal could sign another defender after Timber picked up an injury on his Premier League debut, or could reinvest in their attack.

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If manager Mikel Arteta doesn’t see a future for Balogun at the club then he could be forced into a sale, as his value will only decrease with his contract expiring in 2025. But selling to a direct rival will make things tough for the Arsenal board to accept.

Arsenal and Chelsea have done considerable business in the past, regardless of being heated London rivals. Ashley Cole, William Gallas, Petr Cech, Willian, and David Luiz have all moved directly between the clubs in recent history, with Havertz arriving from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates this summer.

The fee for Havertz could be almost repaid if Chelsea sign Balogun, and it’s a position they need to fill this season. Chelsea have spent a massive £328.13m million this summer, receiving £217.17m back in sales.

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