That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who provided an update on the 22-year-old on the Talking Transfers Podcast.
Folarin Balogun doesn’t appear to be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans going into this season.
An injury to Gabriel Jesus last week should have pushed the American international further up the pecking order.
However, Arteta went with new signing Kai Havertz up front ahead of Balogun and Eddie Nketiah.
Both the club and the player are in a difficult position right now.
Balogun is coming into this season off the back of excelling at Stade Reims.
His 21 league goals were very impressive and have attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
Arsenal won’t want Balogun to leave this summer given his potential, but it’s hard to see a place for him in the team right now.
Balogun’s asking price has been set at a very high level this summer but Arsenal are likely to reduce it.
However, they’ve also rejected a bid from Monaco in the past 24 hours that might make them rethink their strategy in the transfer window this summer.
Arsenal to lower Balogun asking price
Speaking about the youngster’s future, Bailey said: “We know Inter like him a lot. But they’ve been looking at €40m [£34.4m] price tag.
“Monaco’s a new one because [Breel] Embolo’s suffered this ACL injury I think it is and suddenly [Folarin] Balogun who performed so well in Ligue 1 last season with Stade Reims, he’s an option for them now.“But at the moment, everyone’s being put off by this price tag. It does seem a little bit excessive €40m [£34.4m].
“I think Arsenal will come down, especially if he moves abroad. There’s been a bit of interest in England but not too much.
“You might see Monaco make a real firm push for him now and then it’ll be between Inter, who don’t seem like they’re going to come again for [Lukaku] so Inter do need another one.
“It may come down to the player’s preference and it’ll be an interesting one between Inter and Monaco, but they’re the two who are pushing hardest as it stands.”
The ‘phenomenal’ forward wants to carry on playing first-team football which he won’t get at Arsenal this year.
Arsenal would ideally loan Balogun out, but if he’s going to leave permanently this summer his asking price is going to be key.
It makes sense that the Gunners don’t want him to come back to haunt them immediately if he joins another Premier League club.
However, letting him go at all is going also feels like a risky strategy.
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