According to a report from Sky Sports, Chelsea are showing interest in acquiring Arsenal’s young centre-forward, Folarin Balogun.
The Blues currently lacks a backup striker for Nicolas Jackson and are considering Balogun as a potential addition to their squad.
The West London outfit currently has only one other striker on their roster, Armando Broja. But the striker is still recovering from a long-term injury issue.
While manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed a desire not to hinder Broja’s progress by bringing in a new striker, the continued absence of the Albanian international may necessitate the addition of another forward to the team.
Balogun, who was highly regarded as one of the standout talents from Arsenal’s academy, made his senior team debut in October 2020.
Told Chelsea interested in Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun. No formal bid, but interest is real. Monaco still pushing and expected to back in with improved offer. #CFC #AFC #ASMonaco
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 18, 2023
Just a month later, he scored his first goal for Arsenal in a Europa League match.
The 22-year-old spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough, where he contributed with three goals and three assists in 19 games.
Last season, the young striker was loaned to Reims, where he made a significant impact in Ligue 1. He impressively scored 21 goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, contributing to Reims’ 11th-place finish in the league.
Upon returning to Arsenal this summer, Balogun has faced challenges in displacing Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah from the lineup.
With no playing time under Mikel Arteta this season, the player would be keen to leave the club.
Stamford Bridge could offer him the playing opportunities he’s seeking, with Chelsea expressing interest in the United States international.
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However, Arsenal are expected to demand a substantial transfer fee for Balogun, a factor that led Inter Milan to opt for Marko Arnautovic instead.
Chelsea have made big-money transfers, but it remains uncertain if they will make a concrete move for Balogun.
