Folarin Balogun is valued at over £40m by Arsenal (Photo: Getty)
Inter Milan are ready to make a fresh move for Arsenal star Folarin Balogun after missing out on signing an alternative target.
But reports suggest that the offer Inter plan to make falls way short of Arsenal’s valuation of their starlet.
The Italian giants have been on the hunt for a new striker this summer and had initially wanted to re-sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on a permanent basis.
But after the Belgian shockingly pushed for a move to rivals Juventus instead, Inter tuned their attention to Balogun who is open to a move with first-team minutes not guaranteed at the Emirates.
The 22-year-old scored an impressive 22 goals in 39 games on loan at Reims last season but for the moment is behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order.
As a result, Mikel Arteta is content with selling the USA international but only for the right price: Between £40-50million to be precise.
That valuation initially put off Inter who then diverted their attention to West Ham’s wantaway striker Gianluca Scamacca, offering the Irons £24m for his services.
Gianluca Scamacca is leaving West Ham for Atalanta (Photo: Getty)
However, while the Italian No.9 is heading back to Serie A, it will be to Atalanta who beat both Inter and Roma to his signtaure.
As a result of all of this, multiple sources, including the Daily Express, have reported that Inter have revived their interest in Balogun and a readying a bid worth around an initial £25m, with add-ons taking it to £30m, in addition to a hefty sell-on clause.
This still falls way short of Arsenal’s valuation however, but the Nerazzurri are confident they can agree a fee closer to their estimations given that the player is open to a transfer.
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But further complicating their pursuit are West Ham, who are now looking at Balogun as a potential Scamacca replacement.
The Gunners have spent over £200m so far this summer and are looking to balance the books somewhat and trim a slightly bloated squad down.
Balogun is currently on the sidelines with a foot injury but it is hoped he will be back for Arsenal’s opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest next Saturday.
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Inter will make a bid for the forward.