Italian Serie A rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan will lock horns in a battle to secure the signature of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, according to the Independent.
The 22-year-old has expressed strong interest in moving to Italy, and both Milan clubs are keen to take advantage of the situation and sign him.
Having made Balogun available for transfer this summer, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to raise funds for bolstering crucial areas of the squad, particularly in midfield and right-back.
The young striker’s impressive performance during his loan spell at Reims last season, where he netted 22 goals in 39 games, has captured the attention of several leading European clubs.
AS Monaco and RB Leipzig were initially contenders for Balogun’s signature, but recent developments have shifted the focus to the Milan giants.
Inter are emerging as the favourites to secure the deal. The sudden change in target comes as Inter’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku hit an unexpected obstacle, with Juventus expressing interest in the Belgian striker.
Lukaku refused to communicate with the Nerazzurri, forcing the club to pull out of the deal. He is waiting on the Bianconeri.
While Arteta acknowledges Balogun’s potential and considers him a valuable asset for Arsenal’s future, he has made the difficult decision to allow the young talent to depart to seek significant playing time.
Arsenal want to raise £70 million from player sales. They plan to sell Kieran Tierney and Balogun to help facilitate potential incoming transfers.
The Gunners are reportedly eyeing moves for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
They face competition from Chelsea for Kudus, with the Blues ready to pull the trigger while Arsenal are still trying to conclude outgoings.
Liverpool are ahead in the race to sign Lavia, who impressed in his debut Premier League campaign last season.
