03 August 2023 , 17:40
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Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Folarin Balogun at Arsenal, with the US international having asked the club to reduce his asking price.
The 22-year-old has experienced a whirlwind rise after scoring 22 goals in all competitions while out on loan last season at Stade de Reims. However the Gunners academy graduate has been clear about his unwillingness to move away from the Emirates Stadium temporarily this term.
Vowing to fight for his place in Mikel Arteta's squad, his chances of getting the nod at first team level appear to have been boosted after first choice forward Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the start of the seaon. That said, his form in the past 12 months does not seem to have affected his place in the pecking order, with Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard ahead of him as things stand.
The North London giants seem to be open to a sale this summer, especially given Balogun's obvious reluctance to go out on loan again. However, it appears that the striker is unhappy with the club decision to reportedly up his valuation by £10 million.
According to Ben Jacobs, Inter Milan previously balked at Arsenal's £45 million asking price and this year's Champions League finalists have turned their attentions to West Ham's Gianluca Scamacca, as per his report.
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David Moyes is also keeping a close eye on Balogun's availability, with the player held in high regard at the London Stadium following his exploits in Ligue 1. Other Premier League clubs have enquired regarding Balogun's services but none have made a move as yet.
The two-time USMNT international has been with the Arsenal squad on tour in the US this summer, with his manager Arteta having been clear that the pre-season would be a pivotal opportunity for the striker to impress. However Balogun has only featured against the MLS All-Stars, and missing games with Manchester United, Barcelona and AS Monaco.
Folarin Balogun is expected to leave Arsenal this summer (Getty Images)Following his breakthrough at international level this summer during the United States victorious CONCACAF Nations League campaign, he directly addressed the speculation regarding his club future. He said: "I'm not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place," he said.
"I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again."
Balogun signed a four year contract with the club back in 2021 but has featured just twice in the Premier League and ten times in all competitions, spending more time out on loan than with the first-team.