New Balogun price tag
Arsenal have slapped a new price tag on USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. The 21-year-old is likely to leave the club this summer after his impressive loan move with Stade Reims.
Previously, it was understood the Gunners would demand £35 million ($44.5m) for Balogun. However, it has now been reported that any suitors will have to pay an extra £15m ($19m). It remains to be seen whether the likes of AC Milan, Inter Milan or Napoli will sanction a move for £50m ($63.6m).
“Talks have taken place between Arsenal and the representatives of striker Balogun over his future,” Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth said. “One source has told Sky Sports News that the Gunners’ valuation is £50m for a player who still has two years left on his contract.”
Balogun’s failure to make Mikel Arteta’s squad for the upcoming campaign forces the Gunners to sell the striker, according to football.london. He has already stated that he won’t be going out on loan again, so there appears to be only one possible consequence.
Arsenal has made a significant demand for a striker with barely 70 Premier League minutes under his belt: £50 million. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if a European team paid such a sum. His exploits in France were a fantastic example of his right side quality, and the 21-year-old could easily recoup the cost in just one season.
Additionally, £50 million is not entirely absurd in the market of today.
Timber ‘close’
Jurrien Timber, an Ajax defender, and Arsenal are nearing a personal agreement. After failing to secure a transfer to Manchester United last summer, the Dutch international has emerged as Arteta’s top priority defensive reinforcement this summer and is poised to head to England.
According to The Daily Mail, the 22-year-old would make at least £90,000 a week at the emirates Stadium, with his add-ons raising the weekly salary to £120,000.
It’s understood that the north Londoners will pay £48m ($61m) for the versatile defender.
football.london says: It’s really exciting to see Arsenal getting their business done early doors. When you consider we are not even in July yet, the Gunners are taking enormous strides ahead of the start of pre-season next week.
Timber’s versatility to play in the centre of defence as well as right-back, Arteta has inherited a hidden gem in the Dutchman. We all know Declan Rice is the priority and the move for Kai Havertz is edging closer to completion, yet the signing of Timber could prove to be their best this summer.
The acquisition of Timber by Arsenal does demonstrate Stan Kroenke’s genuine support for Arteta. The price tag for Havertz, Rice, and Timber combined with the £48 million charge for Timber will put the spending at over £200 million for the Gunners.
The biggest opportunity to dethrone Man City from the top spot has undoubtedly been provided for Arteta’s team if they are to return to the top of the Premier League.