Inter Milan are ready to put in a €40m bid for Folarin Balogun, though it’s unlikely to be enough to convince Arsenal to sell.

Folarin Balogun Arsenal exit -Reims' English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Stade de Reims at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on March 12, 2023.(Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Stade de Reims at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

CBS Sports report that Inter Milan are ready to test Arsenal with a €40m (£34.3m) bid for Folarin Balogun, with the striker emerging as their first-choice target after failing to agree a deal for Romelu Lukaku.

Though Inter haven’t had formally submitted their bid, they’re expected to imminently. But CBS claim Arsenal have a £50m valuation on Balogun, so Inter’s bid is likely to fall short.

The Gunners know that Balogun also has admirers in the Premier League, including Brighton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United, so they don’t want to rush him out the door for the first offer.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Scott Kennedy of Canada and Folarin Balogun of the United States battle for the ball in the first half during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final at Allegiant Stadium on June 18, 2023. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Scott Kennedy of Canada and Folarin Balogun of the United States battle for the ball in the first half during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final at Allegiant Stadium on June 18, 2023. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

Di Marzio suggest Balogun has already given his go-ahead to Inter over the potential move, so it all depends on whether the Serie A club can reach an agreement with Arsenal now.

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With Andre Onana edging closer to a big-money move to Manchester United, Inter should have the funds to meet Arsenal’s demands if they wish to.

A valuation gap of £16m is significant, but perhaps not beyond compromise.

For the time being, Balogun remains with Arsenal on their pre-season tour.

The striker got a run-out against FC Nurnberg earlier this week, and he should be heavily involved in the tour of the USA, particularly given his new status as a U.S. international.

Arsenal’s Pre-Season Fixtures and Results

Arsenal news, gossip, transfers - Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
  1. Saturday, July 8th – Arsenal 1-1 Watford (Behind closed doors)
  2. Thursday, July 13th – FC Nurnberg 1-1 Arsenal
  3. Thursday, July 20th, 01:30 – MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal
  4. Saturday, July 22nd, 22:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester United
  5. Thursday, July 27th, 03:30 – Arsenal vs Barcelona
  6. Wednesday, August 2nd, 18:00 – Arsenal vs Monaco
  7. Sunday, August 6th, 16:00 – Arsenal vs Manchester City

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