Arsenal spared Chelsea embarrassment with €41m transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 23 Aug 2023 11:31 BST
- 4 min read
Monaco are set to table an improved offer for Folarin Balogun, and it could spare Arsenal's blushes in more ways than one.
The American striker has become one of Europe's hottest commodities after an impressive season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Stade Reims. Keen to be a starting striker, Balogun has made it clear that he wants to leave Arsenal permanently, but the Gunners have thus far made any deal impossible because of their hefty asking price.
This has seen Inter leave the race for Balogun, while West Ham have also thus far refrained from making any offers despite interest, as FootballTransfers has exclusively reported. We have also been able to reveal that Balogun has been in contact with Chelsea and that personal terms have already been agreed. Talks with the Blues have been proceeding well in recent days.
However, selling a talented young striker to a London rival would not have gone down well with the Gunners faithful, and it may not come this to after all.
Monaco's new bid
That is because Monaco are ready to table an improved offer for the 22-year-old. In the market for a forward after Breel Embolo suffered an ACL injury, the Ligue 1 side have long been interested in Balogun but saw their first offer knocked back by Arsenal.
L'Equipe has reported that the American is keen on the move and that negotiations have progressed recently, while talkSPORT now claims that Monaco are ready to table an improved offer worth £35 million (€41m).
READ: Pochettino NOT TALKING to £100m Chelsea star
Despite it falling short of the Gunners' previous asking price of €50m, it may be enough to tempt them into selling. It would spare their blushes in that they would not have to see him leave for a local rival or that he would be left to rot in north London because of a silly overvaluation. It seems like the right move for everyone involved - except Chelsea.
