Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is emerging as the top target for Inter Milan after they scrapped a move for Romelu Lukaku.
Inter Milan appear to be turning to Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun as a top alternative to Romelu Lukaku.
That is according to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, who reports that Inter have scrapped their talks to re-sign striker Lukaku.
The Chelsea man spent last season back on loan at Inter and it was widely expected that he would be returning to the San Siro permanently.
However, the move has collapsed and Inter are looking elsewhere, starting with Arsenal talent Balogun.
It’s stated that key Inter decision makers Beppe Marotta and Piero Ausilio both really like Balogun and he is the favourite to become Inter’s big target.
Other options are in the mix, such as Alvaro Morata, Mehdi Taremi and M’Bala Nzola, but it’s Balogun that Inter really want.
Fabrizio Romano shares information on Folarin Balogun to Inter Milan
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now taken to Twitter to offer an update about Balogun’s potential move to Italy.
Romano claims that Inter will now ask the ‘final conditions’ of a deal to sign Balogun within days.
It’s stated that Balogun is open to the move but Arsenal are set to ask for an ‘important fee’.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Arsenal are seeking a fee of around £50million for Balogun.
That’s a huge price tag and more than Inter would have been expecting to pay for Lukaku.
Whether the Champions League finalists are able to come up with that kind of offer remains to be seen with Arsenal holding out for big cash.
Balogun exit a shame for Arsenal as Chelsea left with a problem
Balogun was exceptional out on loan at French side Reims last season, bagging 21 Ligue 1 goals in a stunning campaign.
You would think that Arsenal will be desperate to get Balogun back into their squad but Mikel Arteta already has Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah at his disposal.
That means Arsenal are looking to sell Balogun for major cash to help offset some of their own summer spending.
Seeing Balogun walk away will sting a little and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become a superstar with his next club, whether that’s Inter or elsewhere.
The forgotten team in this situation is Chelsea, who are now left with a problem in a returning Lukaku.
It seems clear that Lukaku doesn’t have a future at Chelsea but his most-likely escape route is now closed – and his future is completely up in the air.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
