Arsenal will have to redirect their focus on selling players in the coming weeks. A number of stars have been made available this summer as a result of the Gunners' early business in the window.
Kai Havertz completed his £65million move from Chelsea in June and he's expected to be followed by Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. All three deals will see the club's spending pass the £200million mark.
Before any additional business can be completed, a crop of wantaway players will have to be sold to raise the necessary funds. Edu Gaspar and Arteta are unlikely to stop at three incomings, with Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte and Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong the recent names linked.
While Granit Xhaka's £21.5million move to Leverkusen is close to being completed, there is one lurking issue left for Arsenal to face in Folarin Balogun's future. The 22-year-old is set to part ways with the club this summer after his superb season in France with Stade Reims.
Balogun scored 21 goals in Ligue 1, more goals than the Gunners' attackers last season. His performances in Europe and for the USMNT last month have attracted plenty of admirers.
Marseille, AC Milan, Napoli, RB Leipzig, Inter Milan and West Ham have all been linked with a move for London Colney graduate. Recent reports claim the Gunners are aware of the striker's intention to not move temporarily this summer and are prepared to listen to offers.
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No formal bid has been made for Balogun, though interest has accelerated in recent weeks. Prior to his 22nd birthday this week, his social media activity hinted that he was back in London to undergo talks with the club over his future.
“I'm not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place," he said in June. "I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again.”
Balogun's words while on international duty in June have sparked an unwanted dilemma for Arsenal. With another loan switch ruled out, a deal must be struck, sooner rather than later. Last season, Arsenal had slapped a £35million ($44.4million) price tag on their striker as it became clear that Balogun was attracting interest. Now, it will cost any potential suitor £50million ($63.5million).
Right now, it remains unclear whether the likes of Napoli, AC Milan or Inter will approve of Arsenal's demand. That leaves Arteta with four forwards following Havertz's £65million ($82.6million) signing.
The task now is to negotiate a deal that suits all parties. Having set their asking price for Balogun, the waiting game is now underway over which club goes ahead with the purchase.
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