AC Milan target move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun

AC Milan are stepping up preparations to sign Arsenal centre-forward Folarin Balogun, according to Calciomercato.

The Rossoneri are prioritising the signing of a striker this summer and are ready to contact Balogun’s representatives over a deal.

Milan have a transfer budget of €50 million and income from sales to work with this summer.

A chunk of that budget will go into signing a new striker. Despite Olivier Giroud’s 11 goals, he has missed 15 big chances in Serie A this season.

His lack of speed slows down Milan’s attacks. He is advancing in age and needs replacing with a younger option.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will leave the club this summer when his contract expires. Divock Origi could also depart after an uninspiring debut campaign in Italy.

Milan’s number one target for the position is Balogun, who has impressed on loan with Reims in Ligue 1. They like his profile and think he is a good fit for Italian football.

Balogun, who recently agreed to play for the United States, has decent hold-up play and runs the channels well. He works hard defensively and is a ruthless finisher.

There are still aspects of his game to refine, but that is only normal for a 21-year-old. He has plenty of time to improve.

Balogun has netted 20 goals in 35 appearances in the league this term. He has also created eight big chances, registering two assists.

Those numbers have not been enough to impress his parent club Arsenal, who are ready to cash in and stick with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Milan will need to part with around €35 million to clinch a deal with the Gunners. They are also interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus Cheek.