Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun‘s impressive form on loan at Reims this season has led to interest from Serie A clubs Inter and AC Milan, with the city rivals ready to compete for his signature this summer.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Balogun could find himself at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza next season as the Milanese clubs fight for him, with Arsenal slapping a €25 million price-tag on the forward.
The New York-born England U21 international joined Reims last year on loan and has thrived under coach Will Still, netting 16 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances for the Rouges et Blancs as they target a top-half finish.
AC Milan seeking long-term Zlatan replacement
AC Milan‘s interest in Balogun stems from a desire to bolster their attacking options in the summer, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s contract expiring at the end of the season and the 41-year-old Sweden international only just returning from a lengthy absence following knee surgery.
Elsewhere, Divock Origi has failed to make an impact since joining Milan as a free agent from Liverpool in 2022 and the Rossoneri have limited attacking options beyond Olivier Giroud, who is expected to extend his contract but will turn 37 at the start of next season.
This has prompted them to turn to Balogun, but Milan could be put off by Arsenal‘s asking price, particularly if it continues to rise with the striker’s impressive form in France.
Inter ready to cut their losses on Lukaku
Inter, meanwhile, are also in the market for a striker as they seek to replace Romelu Lukaku at the end of the season. The Belgium international has failed to convince the Nerazzurri hierarchy to commit to him following an underwhelming loan from Chelsea, leaving a gap in their attack.
With Edin Dzeko expected to only pen a one-year contract extension and Joaquin Correa disappointing since joining from Lazio in 2021, Inter can only count on Lautaro Martinez as a long-term option.
This could see them move for Balogun, especially if they fail to sign first-choice target Marcus Thuram as a free agent from Borussia Monchengladbach in June.
