Inter Milan are now expected to submit a bid for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, who’s previously been linked as a Chelsea transfer target this summer.
That is according to a report from The Athletic.
Football Transfers reported earlier this month that Chelsea have opened discussions with rivals Arsenal about a potential deal for Folarin Balogun.
Now, the Blues could face big competition to sign the 22-year-old Gunners centre-forward.
The Athletic claims that Inter are interested in making a swoop for Balogun.
They report that the Serie A giants are expected to make an opening offer worth around €40million (£34million) for him.
Apparently, Arsenal value the United States international at closer to the £50million mark.
Inter’s attention has turned toward Balogun after missing out on Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, which has been a wild transfer saga.
Gianluca Di Marzio reported over the weekend that Inter have pulled out of the race to sign 30-year-old Blues forward Lukaku this summer. The Italians informed him during a short phone call they won’t be signing him, despite making a £34million offer for the Chelsea man.
Balogun scored 22 goals in 39 appearances last season during a very productive loan spell at French club Reims.
However, we’re no convinced the youngster is the sort of profile Chelsea needs.
If the Blues plan to bring in another centre-forward, we would much prefer an experienced and proven scorer at the highest level.
As it stands, Pochettino is going into the new season as young forwards Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson as his main options at the top end of the pitch.
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