Arsenal face a tricky summer, as the global pandemic will have severely hit the budget at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
The Gunners may have to look to swap deals in order to bolster Arteta’s options, and there is one exchange they should consider offering.
The Daily Mail noted earlier this week that Arsenal want to sign Said Benrahma, though they face major competition for the Algerian ace.
One way they could tempt Brentford into a deal and to bring the price tag down is by offering Bees target Folarin Balogun as part of a move.
Brentford failed with a £5million bid for Balogun in January, seemingly viewing him as a promising young striker that can bag goals for them for years to come.
Goal reported in June that Balogun will be sold this summer because he won’t sign a new contract, and it’s reasonable to expect Brentford to be in the hunt again.
It would be a blow to lose Balogun after 10 goals and four assists in 15 Premier League 2 games this season, but if he is going to walk away in a year’s time, Arsenal may as well try and get a great deal now.
Offering cash and Balogun may tempt Brentford into a move, especially if they miss out on promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs.
Arsenal need a natural left winger to bring some balance to their attack, and Benrahma could be that player having starred in the Championship this season.
The 24-year-old has racked up 17 goals and nine assists this season, proving that he can score and create in the final third, coming inside from the left flank.
A straight up cash deal may be difficult for Arsenal this summer, but with a hot prospect in Balogun wanted at Brentford, the young striker could be the trump card for Arsenal in the hunt for Benrahma.
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