Arsenal have set their price tag for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to reports. The 21-year-old is coming off the back of a hugely impressive season away in France as well as opening his account for USA.
He now faces an interesting few weeks ahead with the Gunners set to favour him in his home country of America for their pre-season trip in July. Whilst Balogun currently takes some time off following a successful debut for USMNT, he has many decisions to make.
There are still two years to run on his current contract but after breaking through into European football prominence, the Hale End graduate is now looking for serious first team opportunities. His 21 goals for Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 has elevated him to being one of the hottest prospects on the market.
Arsenal seem to be looking elsewhere, though. Eddie Nketiah was the first port of call when Gabriel Jesus found himself sidelined through injury last year and lead the line nobly. However, the 23-year-old failed to score whilst Jesus was fit for selection.
He looks set to remain in place at the Emirates Stadium heading into the 2023/24 season and it is yet another obstacle for Balogun to get around.
There is also the incoming Kai Havertz to take into consideration. The 24-year-old is being signed for £65million ($82m) and isn't likely to be just a place holder in the squad. It makes Balogun the fourth choice heading into pre-season.
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Despite his form there doesn't seem to be much hope of leapfrogging himself into a position whereby consistent minutes would be there for the taking, but he has been firm on what is to come. "What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again," he said after scoring his first goal for USMNT against Canada last week.
"I'm not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, 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."
He has now left the international set up ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a heavily rotated squad being put out. The issue as to what happens in regards to his future is still up in the air.
Arsenal are set to consider offers for him this summer as an unfortunate reality hits home. Now, it is said that there will be a £35million ($44.5m) asking price. It was believed that RB Leipzig were keen on signing him but are now looking elsewhere after the bump in valuation.
According to CIES football observatory he is worth just £17.2m ($21.8m) and may well be why Leipzig are currently considering other options. It is especially prevalent as Transfermarkt estimates that he was worth just £6m ($7.5m) last summer before his year with Reims.
Luckily for both Balogun and Arsenal, interest in him is not lacking. AC Milan, Inter and Crystal Palace are all said to be amongst those keen on signing him in the coming weeks.
