Monaco will soon make a new attempt to lure wantaway striker Folarin Balogun away from Arsenal after their initial bid failed to come to fruition.
Les Monegasques tried to exploit their Emirates Cup showdown against the Gunners as a pretence to negotiate the 22-year-old’s return to Ligue 1.
However, Mikel Arteta’s men rebuffed the French side’s verbal proposal at the start of August despite their ongoing effort to find the United States international a new home.
While last season’s Premier League runners-up remain open to selling their sought-after talent, their substantial £50 million asking price has proved prohibitive for most of his suitors.
According to CBS Sports, Arsenal’s rejection has not discouraged Monaco’s bid to take Balogun away from the Emirates Stadium as they prepare another offer.
New manager Adi Hutter is under pressure to sign a new centre-forward to soften the blow after losing star striker Breel Embolo to a long-term ACL injury.
The 26-year-old Swiss marksman seamlessly slotted alongside Monaco captain Wissam Ben-Yedder last season, tallying 12 goals and two assists in 32 league appearances.
Indeed, the duo’s formidable attacking partnership formed the backbone of the team’s failed attempt to qualify for the Champions League group stages.
Although teenage prodigy Eliesse Ben Seghir enjoyed an eye-catching breakout season at the Stade Louis II, Hutter is desperate for another senior attacking option.
Many Teams Want Balogun, But No One Wants to Pay
As extensively covered by Football Extras and other football news outlets, Balogun has generated a host of enquiries this summer.
In addition to Monaco, Marseille, AC Milan, and Inter Milan have been linked with the USMNT starlet, though none have been willing to meet Arsenal’s request.
Like Los Monegasques, Marseille won’t feature in the Champions League this season after shockingly slumping to a qualification defeat to Greek side Panathinaikos.
Without the incentive of Europe’s most prestigious competition and the financial prizes coming along the way, Marcelino’s men have lost a foothold in the race.
As for the Italian admirers, Inter’s financial turmoil has deterred Simone Inzaghi from pursuing Balogun’s signature with more vigour, while Milan have already spent a fortune on reinforcing their squad.
Stefano Pioli is determined to complete an extensive recruitment spree with one last signing, hoping to land a long-term replacement for ageing star Olivier Giroud.
But Milan won’t break the bank to fulfil their coach’s wish, as they look for cost-effective solutions in the market, which effectively rules them out of the picture.
That leaves Monaco as the only viable destination for Balogun, but it may not necessarily be the case.
Watch Out for West Ham United
Arsenal’s best hope of selling their prized asset on their terms is to let him stay in the Premier League.
Flush with cash after sanctioning Declan Rice’s move to the Emirates and subsequently offloading Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, the Hammers have a significant war chest.
The reigning Europa Conference League champions have parted with a tiny portion of the sum obtained from Rice’s switch to Arsenal to recruit former Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.
With plenty of funds left in the tank, they wouldn’t have a problem matching the Gunners’ valuation of Balogun if David Moyes decides to launch an assault.
Left with Michail Antonio and Danny Ings as the only centre-forward options, the ex-Manchester United manager would be wise to increase his firepower.
Since only six sides among those to have secured Premier League survival last season netted fewer goals than West Ham, Moyes could use additional help up top.
But there’s a downside.
West Ham had put Arsenal through a great deal of trouble before letting them take Rice across town in an eye-watering £105m transfer.
So the Gunners could be looking to return the favour.
