Inter Milan have reportedly turned their attention to Arsenal forward, Folarin Balogun after they cooled their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.
Balogun returned to the Gunners after a productive loan stint at Ligue 1 club Reims last campaign. But a permanent transfer away from the Emirates has been suggested.
As they look for a new forward, Inter have apparently made the American international their top priority, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport as reported by Daily Mail.
The Italian outfit had started the transfer window hoping to reach an agreement with Chelsea to bring Romelu Lukaku back on a permanent basis. But negotiations dissolved early this month, leaving the Belgian in a precarious situation.
Former Blues striker Morata was then Simone Inzaghi’s focus, but Inter have decided against making a move for the Spaniard.
The alleged €21 million (£18 million) asking price from the Rojiblancos for a player who is already 30 and would expect salaries of about €9 million (£7.7 million) turned away the Italians.
Additionally, there were concerns about Morata’s motivation to relocate from Spain to Serie A. Which played a crucial role in Inter’s acquisitions of Davide Frattesi and Marcus Thuram this summer.
Balogun is still the target of Inter’s transfer attempts. But the cost of signing the 22-year-old could be a roadblock.
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Inter are reportedly unwilling to meet Gunners’ asking price of £50 million for the striker, who recorded 21 goals in 37 games in France last season.
The Nerazzurri, though, think that the Gunners might lower the asking price before the current transfer window closes.
Balogun may not be the only player to leave the club; Kieran Tierney, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Nicolas Pepe are also possible targets.
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