Arsenal has rejected a formal offer from AS Monaco for Folarin Balogun, the 22-year-old USMNT international striker.
Monaco initially made a verbal proposal after a pre-season friendly between the two clubs, which was followed by a written bid that Arsenal also turned down. Despite the rejections, Monaco’s pursuit of Balogun continues.
Inter Milan is another club interested in the young forward, but their ability to make a suitable offer is uncertain, as they are in the market for a new striker after the departures of Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku. Monaco, on the other hand, is urgently seeking a striker following the injury of Switzerland international Breel Embolo, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in training.
Balogun impressed during his loan spell with Stade Reims in France last season, scoring 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances. He has also made an impact with the USMNT, scoring in their Nations League final win over Canada in June after switching allegiances from England.
Although it is widely accepted that Balogun will leave Arsenal before the end of August, the club is yet to receive an offer that meets their valuation, with reports suggesting they want at least £40 million for the young striker. While Monaco continues to hold discussions with Arsenal, it remains to be seen if they can reach a compromise and secure the services of Balogun, who has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe.
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