Tag: Arsenal

Folarin Balogun is reportedly concerned that the money Arsenal is demanding from Inter Milan for his signature is too much and will cost him a move this summer.

The Arsenal striker is wanted by Inter this summer, with the Serie A side keen to bring him in after making him their number one number nine option.

They have reportedly opened talks with Arsenal for the 21-year-old, who spent last season successfully on loan at Reims.

Read more: Fabinho leaves Liverpool for Al-Ittihad

However, Arsenal have placed a £45 million price tag on Balogun, causing Inter Milan to pause their negotiations to focus on West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca.

Balogun is unhappy with Arsenal’s demand, as he considers it too much. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, “Balogun feels Arsenal have added £10m extra to fee, and it’s pricing him out the market. #AFC argue their valuation is more than fair given his 22 goals last season at Reims and his potential. Some at the club want £50m as a minimum.

Meanwhile, the American international will inform the Gunners to lower their asking price to avoid denying him a permanent move this summer.

Balogun has already told Arsenal he won’t be sitting on the bench nor going on another loan, so a move away this summer is the most likely outcome.

Per Jacobs, West Ham could bid for Balogun should they sell Scamacca, while RB Leipzig are also interested in the US international.

Premier League, new boys Burnley are reportedly leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan.

The Belgian midfielder, who spent six months on loan at Crystal Palace last season, is one of the several players Arsenal are looking to sell or send out on loan this summer as he does not feature in his plans.

And according to The Evening Standard, Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is eager to reunite with the 23-year-old after managing him at Anderlecht.

Read more: ‘These things, it needs time’-Jurgen Klopp calls for patience for Liverpool summer signing

Lokonga joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in 2021 and has made 39 appearances for the Gunners. But his time at the Emirates has been unproductive, and Mikel Arteta wouldn’t mind if he departed before the transfer window’s closure.

Burnley have already brought in a host of players to ensure they are prepared to impact the Premier League.

The Clarets have signed Dara O’Shea, James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigoroux, Michael Obafemi and Luca Koleosho this summer alone. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal are focusing on outgoings after already signing Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

Other players like Nicolas Pepe, Auston Trusty, and Cedric Soares are among those who could depart. Trusty is the subject of interest from Sheffield United, while clubs in France want Pepe.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in a British record £105 million deal.

The England international becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the week following the capture of Jurrien Timber from Arsenal on Friday.

Rice joins the defender, and Kai Havertz, who arrived from Chelsea earlier this summer at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta’s side look to regroup and compete for the title again after narrowly missing out last season.

West Ham and Arsenal had agreed on a deal over Rice last week. However, the official announcement was delayed because both clubs were still finalising the payment structure, with Arsenal expected to pay an initial £100m and an extra £5m coming in add-ons.

Read more: Al-Ahli offer £30m for Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez

Rice was one of Europe’s most highly sought players this season, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City all interested. 

But the midfielder chose to go to Arsenal, where he will be guaranteed regular game time and more influence in the team.

Speaking to Arsenal’s website after completing the deal, Rice said: “I’m so excited – he (Mikel Arteta) speaks for himself. You see how he works – you got a real insight into how he works on the Amazon documentary, how he works with his players and, not only as a coach but psychologically, how good he is with players, how he improves players. He’s a massive factor in the reason why I’ve come here.

“I know he’s going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels. I’m really excited to be working with him.”