Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is believed to be open to joining bitter rivals Chelsea before the transfer deadline.
Chelsea are making moves to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun as Mauricio Pochettino eyes a new goalscorer.
That is according to the London Evening Standard, who claim that Balogun is now open to securing a move to Stamford Bridge.
It’s stated that Chelsea have now sounded out Balogun for a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are allegedly well aware that Chelsea want to sign Balogun and seemingly wouldn’t block a move to their London rivals.
Arsenal do though have a lofty asking price on Balogun as they are seeking around £50million for the striker.
Chelsea have already spent heavily this summer so it’s unclear whether Mauricio Pochettino and co will want to splash out another big fee.
Christopher Nkunku faces months on the sidelines though and with Nicolas Jackson still adjusting to life in the Premier League, Balogun may be seen as a player who can make a big impact.
The Blues have been focusing on young talent too, so Balogun fits the bill for Chelsea’s recruitment strategy.
Folarin Balogun to Chelsea may hurt Arsenal fans
Arsenal supporters are probably finding the Balogun situation a little painful.
A young striker who has come up in the Hale End system, now coming off a 22-goal season out on loan with Reims.
Balogun, in another world, is now making an impact for Arsenal right now and kicking on after his loan spell.
In this universe, Balogun is clearly available for transfer as Arsenal see him as a great way to offset some of their summer spending.
The American international – hailed as a simply ‘unbelievable’ player by Reims boss William Still – isn’t wanted at Arsenal and that must sting for supporters who think he is ready to shine.
Seeing him leave would have been painful enough but seeing him join Chelsea would really hurt.
The problem is that Arsenal’s asking price is so high that European clubs and even most of the Premier League simply can’t afford him.
That means Arsenal have to consider doing a deal with their rivals as Balogun seemingly eyes a move to West London.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
