Inter Milan are preparing an offer worth €35 million plus a percentage of future resale for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
At this point, there is not much doubt about Inter’s intentions in their search for a striker.
The Nerazzurri see Arsenal and USMNT striker Balogun as their priority target. Now, they are ready to go all-in to sign the 22-year-old.
The contacts between Inter and Arsenal have been ongoing for some time now.
However, until the past couple days, these have been more exploratory. The Nerazzurri have sounded out a move but not really made a formal offer to test the Gunners’ resolve.
However, with the option of signing Gianluca Scamacca off the table after Inter had spent the better part of a week in negotiations with West Ham United, the Nerazzurri are now fully shifting their focus to trying to sign Balogun.
Inter Milan Readying €35M + Resale Percentage Offer For Folarin Balogun
To date, Arsenal have slapped a high asking price on Balogun.
At least initially, the Gunners have indicated that they want at least €50 million to sell the American.
However, the Gazzetta reports, Inter believe that they can sign Balogun for less than that. And they’re prepared to test Arsenal with an offer.
The newspaper report that Inter are ready to make an offer of an initial €30 million. In addition, they’ll include €5 million in add-ons, taking the total cash value of the bid to €5 million.
And key to Inter’s offer could be the inclusion of a percentage of eventual resale of Balogun to Arsenal.
The newspaper does not specify the amount that Inter are ready to offer. However, they’ll look to tempt the Gunners with the possibility of cashing in to a significant degree beyond the initial fee in the future if Inter sell Balogun later.
However, Arsenal’s priority could simply be to sell Balogun to the highest bidder.
In this respect, Ligue 1 side Lens look to be Inter’s main competition. The Champions league new boys reportedly see the 22-year-old as a priority target to replace Lois Openda who they sold to RB Leipzig in a big money deal.
However, the Gazzetta notes, Balogun’s preference could also be key.
The US international reportedly wants Inter, and that’s the move that he’ll push for.
