Inter identify Arsenal striker as their replacement for Romelu Lukaku
By Evan Curnew
Arsenal will have a decision to make on the future of striker Folarin Balogun. At the moment, it feels likely that the USMNT striker will leave this summer, but it is now a matter of who is interested in Balogun. He was recently linked to RB Leipzig, but they have now signed Lois Openda in a club-record transfer. Reports are suggesting that recent Champions League runners-up Inter are taking a swing at signing the highly coveted forward.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter will reach out to Arsenal shortly to ask about what the conditions of a deal would look like. Balogun is reportedly open to leaving Arsenal on a permanent transfer this summer. Romano states that Arsenal will ask for an “important fee” from Inter.
Inter are shifting their transfer priorities after backing out of a deal for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian spent last season on loan at Inter after previously playing for the club prior to his second arrival at Chelsea. It is believed that Inter are furious at Lukaku for reportedly speaking to Serie A rivals Juventus this summer. The Telegraph report that Romelu Lukaku reached out to Juventus because of his role at Inter, particularly not starting in the Champions League final.
Folarin Balogun spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims where he netted 21 goals. The previous season, he had spent a short stint at Championship side Middlesbrough. Balogun is a Hale End product and made his way up the youth ranks at Arsenal. While still a good player, Balogun was once seen as major academy talent for Arsenal, tearing up the U18 league with 25 goals in 19 games during the 18/19 season.
Balogun recently committed to the US Men’s National Team. He was also eligible for England and Nigeria, having played at the youth level for the former. He made his debut against Mexico in the 2023 Nations League semi-final and then scored in the final against Canada, on route to lifting an international trophy after just two matches.