Arsenal name RIDICULOUS asking price for academy star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 27 Jun 2023 19:33 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have slapped a whopping price tag on Folarin Balogun, according to reports.

The newly-minted US men's national team star is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market this summer. Despite coming off an incredible season, Balogun is not guaranteed a starting spot in an Arsenal team that ran Manchester City close last season.

Given that he scored a very impressive 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 outings for Stade Reims last term, the 21-year-old is keen to again be the number-one striking option next season. With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already at Arsenal, however, it means that this could be hard to achieve in north London.

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As has been reported, Balogun will push for a move unless he is given assurances that he will be the starting choice at Arsenal next term. With this unlikely to materialise, the academy graduate appears to be on his way out.

A hefty price tag

In light of this, Arsenal have slapped a sizable price tag of £50 million (€58m) on the striker, according to Sky Sports. Balogun had no shortage of suitors before, but he could now.

FootballTransfers' in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) algorithm appreciates that his stock has risen dramatically due to his performances for Reims last term, but even so, he is only worth €22.4m

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For as good as he has been, few clubs will be able and willing to match this asking price. As we have exclusively reported, West Ham see Balogun as a priority target, while Crystal Palace are also said to be interested.

It seems highly unlikely that either of them would be prepared to part with €58m to get a player who only has one good season of senior football - regardless of how impressive he has been - under his belt.