Inter Milan continue to push for the signature of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun. But the Nerazzurri also have another profile on the shortlist.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews, the USMNT star remains on top of Giuseppe Marotta’s wishlist.
The 22-year-old is an Arsenal youth product who hasn’t been able to carve himself a place in Mikel Arteta’s project.
The American spent the previous campaign on loan at Stade Reims where he displayed his striking credentials.
Yet, this wasn’t enough to sway the Gunners who placed him on the transfer list.
As the source explains, Monaco offered 30 million euros for the attacker’s signature. However, the Premier League giants rejected the bid, as they’re holding out for 40 million.
For their part, Inter Milan are only willing to offer 35 million euros, including bonuses.
Nevertheless, the report claims that Arsenal could lower their asking price due to the recent progress made on this front.
The source adds that Balogun is already envisioning himself at the Giuseppe Meazza next season.
Inter Milan Are Still Pressing To Sign Arsenal Striker Folarin Balogun
Moreover, Inter would have a bigger leverage if they manage to offload Joaquin Correa. This would allow them to buy a more traditional Number 9 in addition to Balogun.
Finally, Mehdi Taremi remains an option for the Nerazzurri. However, Porto have slapped a price tag of 30 million euros on his back.
The Italian giants consider it an excessive asking price for a 31-year-old whose contract will expire a year later. The Nerazzurri could make an opening bid of 23 million.
However, one of the drawbacks of this operation is the fact that the Iranian international will miss four or six weeks of the season while representing his nation in the Asian Cup next January.
