AS Monaco are close to agreeing a deal for Arsenal attacker Folarin Balogun, according to Sky Sports.
The 22-year-old has been a target for the French club all summer but their first bid for him was rejected.
However, they remain confident about agreeing a deal with the Gunners before the end of the transfer window. Personal terms will not be a problem.
Balogun is training separately from the Arsenal squad, with manager Mikel Arteta not keen on using him this season. The Spanish manager is sticking with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
The striker went on loan to Ligue 1 club Reims last season and bagged 21 goals and four assists. He had a promising loan spell, but Arsenal want to cash in rather than retain him.
The Gunners want £50 million for their academy product, but Les Monaguesques will try to knock that figure down.
Chelsea showed interest in Balogun last week and contacted his representatives over a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues need attacking reinforcements but Monaco are far ahead in the race, and they will have to look elsewhere.
Several Italian clubs also showed interest in Balogun but deemed his transfer fee too high.
Inter Milan explored a deal to sign the United States international after Romelu Lukaku gave them the cold shoulder.
However, Arsenal’s valuation of Balogun scared them off, and they went for Marko Arnautovic instead.
AC Milan also considered a move for him but have since signed Noah Okafor. They are still hunting for a striker but want a less expensive option.
After weeks of chasing Balogun, Monaco are closing in on their man. The young striker will bolster their hopes of battling Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 title.
With talisman Wissam Ben Yedder facing rape charges, Balogun could lead their line if the Frenchman’s legal troubles catch up with him.
