Fulham are interested in snapping up Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun on loan this summer as they prepare for life in the Premier League.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who suggest that Fulham are already planning their transfer targets for life back in the top flight.
Fulham aren’t actually up yet but a win over Preston North End on Tuesday night will secure a return to the Premier League.
With four bites at the cherry, Fulham are almost certainly set for promotion.
The Mail now claim that Fulham are already eyeing up signings including Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and PSV Eindhoven’s Erick Gutierrez.
One interesting target named is Balogun, with Fulham seeking to bring him to Craven Cottage on loan for next season.
Fulham already have a goal machine striker in Aleksandar Mitrovic but Balogun may now be targeted to offer cover behind the Serbian.
Balogun is currently on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he has bagged three goals and two assists in 15 games.
The 20-year-old striker has huge talent but maybe isn’t quite ready to be playing regularly for Arsenal.
The next logical step is for Balogun to head off for a Premier League loan spell and Fulham are prepared to offer that.
One thing that may dent Fulham’s hopes is that Arsenal’s own striking situation is in flux ahead of the summer window.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract this summer and look set to leave.
Balogun may therefore be needed in pre-season as Arsenal’s main striker, at least until they can bring in a couple of new attackers.
That may delay a move to Fulham, but Balogun may still be allowed to swap North London for West London this summer.
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