Inter Milan's Shock Move: Securing Folarin Balogun Instead of Romelu Lukaku
Inter Milan turn their attention to Arsenal's Folarin Balogun as a potential transfer target Gunners value him at £50m Balogun emerges as an alternative option after Lukaku pursuit falters Follow the transfer window with Sky Sports
Inter Milan is intensively considering pursuing a £50 million deal for Arsenal's highly-rated forward, Folarin Balogun, following their withdrawal of interest in Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku, who was on loan at Inter during the previous season, played a significant role in the club's triumph in the Coppa Italia and their journey to the final of the Champions League. Unfortunately, his desire to secure a permanent return to the team he represented from 2019 to 2021 has been thwarted by Inter's choice to shift their focus to other potential strikers.
Inter Milan consider 22-year-old United States international Balogun as a promising prospect, although they have not officially made an offer for the player. Balogun joined Arsenal's pre-season tour in the United States on Sunday. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta responded to questions about Balogun's future by stating, "we will wait to see how things unfold."
Chelsea currently has two potential buyers interested in acquiring Lukaku.
Juventus has engaged in discussions and is willing to offer 40 million Euros, inclusive of additional incentives. Nevertheless, their bid is contingent upon the sale of Dusan Vlahovic.
Lukaku's other option is Al Hilal, although it's though his preference at this stage is to remain in European football.
He is not expected to go on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the US.
Analysis: Why Arsenal could regret letting Balogun go
Chris Wilder and his assistant Alan Knill have a rule when it comes to young recruits. "We make it a point not to hire anyone on their initial loan," states Knill. The rationale behind this approach is that "it is always a valuable learning phase."
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Balogun in action for boyhood club Arsenal
However, when Folarin Balogun became available during their tenure at Middlesbrough in the Championship in 2022, they recognized the need to make an exception. Certain players are simply too exceptional to pass up. Knill further emphasizes, "He possessed an undeniable talent."
Unfortunately, Middlesbrough did not witness the complete manifestation of Balogun's talent. Despite his remarkable success in Arsenal's academy and his representation of England's youth squads, Balogun would ultimately depart from Riverside Stadium with a mere three goals in 18 Championship matches.
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Who will be on the move this summer, as the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on We' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on We News
