Arsenal face shock transfer raids from PSG and Milan

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:37 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal face the prospect of having to battle to retain some of their star players this summer after a fine campaign that has them challenging for the Premier League title down to the wire.

Equally, though, Mikel Arteta is likely to move some players on in order to strengthen certain areas of his team, and interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Milan in their players might, therefore, be welcome.

According to a report in L’Equipe, PSG are seeking to strengthen their squad by raiding Ligue 1 clubs this summer. While various players are being studied, Folarin Balogun of Arsenal is one of those talents the Parc des Princes side are tracking.

MORE: Arsenal sent ‘can’t go back’ warning over Balogun

On loan at Reims, Balogun has enjoyed a spectacular season, scoring 18 goals in 31 games for a side that has performed above expectations this term.

Arsenal are expected to demand upwards of €30 million for the attacker, with FootballTransfers’ understanding of the situation that the Gunners will only sell should they receive a bid well above what they perceive to be his market value.

Balogun’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), meanwhile, is €19.6 million, though this has been rising steeply all season.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal to reject all Folarin Balogun transfer bids

Reiss Nelson to Milan?

The other player who Arsenal find in the targets of a major European club this summer is backup forward Reiss Nelson. The attacker has played a peripheral role this term for the Gunners, but did memorably strike against Bournemouth in a thrilling cameo that might yet be pivotal in the Premier League title race.

Indeed, three goals and three assists in just 500 Premier League minutes represents a fine return from the forward.

The 23-year-old has not started a single Premier League match this season, and though he has been troubled by thigh issues, it is clear Arteta does not view him as an indispensable member of the squad.

Unlike Balogun, Arsenal have no control over Nelson’s future as his contract expires in June, when he will be a free agent. Although he would count towards Milan’s quota of two non-EU players, this is not seen as a problem, according to Calciomercato.