Chelsea are now in talks to sign Folarin Balogun from Arsenal as Mauricio Pochettino looks to add more attacking reinforcements, following the arrival of Nicolas Jackson.
That is according to Football Transfers.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea and Folarin Balogun? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, this is a significant development – to say the least.
Balogun has developed into one of the most exciting young talents on the planet after emerging from Arsenal’s Hale End academy, putting his name up in lights with an outstanding loan spell at Reims last season.
The 22-year-old scored 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances, which was more than Lionel Messi’s tally of 16 and also Neymar’s total of 13 league goals.
Football Transfers believe Chelsea have now opened talks with Balogun’s representatives, as the Blues look to pinch a potentially world class forward from London rivals Arsenal.
The New York-born striker wants regular first-team football next season, and doesn’t believe he will get that at the Emirates Stadium, where Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are ahead of him in the pecking order.
How much Folarin Balogun could cost Chelsea
According to The Sun, Arsenal want £35m to sell Balogun this summer after the United States international’s stunning loan spell at Reims.
That seems like a very fair price for someone who looks to have an immense amount of potential – Mikel Arteta even claimed that the American has “got something special” in his locker, as quoted by Arsenal’s official website.
Of course, it remains to be seen if the Gunners will stick to that £35m asking price for Chelsea, as the Blues are expected to be competing with Arsenal near the top of the Premier League next season if all goes well.
Therefore, the north Londoners could potentially charge Chelsea more – in our view at least.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the Blues open talks with Balogun’s representatives.
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