Inter Milan could still sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun – but only if they sell Joaquin Correa and the Gunners open up to a loan deal.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInter1908.

In terms of Inter’s search for a centre-forward, the likelihood of their moving for Balogun has seemingly gone down.

That is because the Nerazzurri have started seriously leaning in the direction of signing Gianluca Scamacca.

The negotiations with West Ham United for the 24-year-old are now well underway. A move would certainly be within for Inter financially speaking.

Moreover, Scamacca would be more of an out-and-out centre-forward signing compared to Balogun.

The former Sassuolo star isn’t just a goalscorer – his physicality and holdup play would also provide the team with a reference point in the final third. That is something that Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi has been insistent on.

Therefore, both in terms of price and in terms of profile, Scamacca seems to have the edge over Balogun.

That does not mean, however, that the young Arsenal striker has gone off Inter’s radar entirely. Quite the contrary in fact.

How Inter Milan Could Still Get Deal For Folarin Balogun Done

The Nerazzurri directors are still big fans of Balogun.

The 22-year-old’s loan spell with Reims last season has fully convinced them of his talent.

Therefore, Tuttosport report, the Nerazzurri directors are still hoping they can sign Balogun. It just wouldn’t be as their main centre-forward signing.

The first condition to Balogun joining Inter, therefore, would be Joaquin Correa heading for the exit door.

The Nerazzuri won’t head into next season with five senior-level attackers.

But a departure of Correa would free up space for Balogun’s arrival.

Secondly, the Nerazzurri would have to convince Arsenal on a loan deal.

The Gunners’ asking price for Balogun will be €40-45 million. That is certainly more than Inter could hope to afford if they also buy Scamacca.

But if Inter can find a way to convince Arsenal on a moderately-priced paid loan, they could get it done.