Perry Groves commented on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal plan to sell striker Folarin Balogun this summer.
The former Arsenal man has compared Balogun to Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is set to join Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s side set to sign the 20-year-old for £72m. according to Sky Sports.
Last season, Folarin Balogun scored 21 goals for the Stade de Reims in France, but Groves has questioned the quality of Ligue 1 and Italian football. Groves thinks Balogun’s performance last season should not be exaggerated.
Groves said: “Nketiah did a great job when Jesus was injured. He came on, scored a couple of goals and his playstyle was excellent. He probably needs to be a bit more sensitive. Kai Havertz is signed, so can play as a virtual 9. Trossard can play as a virtual 9. Martinelli can also play in the middle.”
“I think they will sell Balogun. Asking for £50m, I think it is a bit too much. He has scored 22 goals in Ligue 1, but how good is that league to judge a striker or a goal scorer ?”
“Nicolas Pepe is from Lille and scored 22 goals last season before coming to Arsenal. It is difficult to judge what you say about Hojlund for Atalanta. Historically, Italian football has been more defensive and harder to score at. Series A.”
“Comparing those things, you would say Hojlund has a better scoring record in Serie A because he scored 10 goals, right?! I think £25-30m is the right price for Balogun.”
Folarin Balogun signed for Reims on loan in the 2022/23 season, he impressed when he scored 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances. At the end of the loan contract, the 22-year-old returned to Arsenal. He is on the list of the summer 2023 tour of the London team.
However, the player did not make much of an impression during pre-season training. According to many sources, he will not get an official position next season. Specifically, Balogun will have to compete with Eddie Nketiah for the reserve position for Gabriel Jesus.
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Folarin Balogun urged Arsenal to reduce his selling price so that he can leave in the summer of 2023. He wrote on Twitter: “Folarin Balogun has asked Arsenal to lower his price. Balogun’s view is that you He will not continue to leave on loan.”
