Arsenal’s young forward, Folarin Balogun, has become a hot transfer target with French club Lens joining the race to secure his signature. The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Reims in the previous season, scoring 21 goals, but it is evident that he does not fit into Mikel Arteta‘s plans for the upcoming campaign.
Arsenal is keen to cash in on Balogun, who has no interest in another loan move. Considering Arsenal’s heavy spending in the transfer market, the sale of the United States international could fetch a substantial fee for the club.
While Inter Milan had initially deemed Folarin too expensive, recent reports indicate that the Champions League runners-up are ready to revive negotiations to bring the talented forward to Italy.
However, Lens, a club that impressed as Ligue 1 title contenders during the 2022-23 season, has also expressed their interest in Balogun. The French outfit secured a second-placed finish, earning them a spot in the Champions League, and they are keen to bolster their squad for the upcoming challenges.
Lens recently sold Los Openda, who netted 21 goals in Ligue 1, to RB Leipzig for €43m (£37.1m). While Arsenal is reportedly asking for approximately £6m more for Balogun, Lens is hesitant to meet that price at this stage of negotiations.
Despite numerous Premier League clubs being linked with Balogun, they are not currently seen as realistic options. As the transfer battle heats up between Inter Milan and Lens, it remains to be seen where Balogun’s future will take him.
With Lens needing to fill the void left by Adam Buksa’s loan move to Antalyaspor, the club is actively searching for attacking reinforcements, making Balogun an enticing prospect. Arsenal will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on developments, as the competition for the young striker’s services intensifies.
