Arsenal's English striker Folarin Balogun runs with the ball. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
As per Football Transfers (h/t Football London), Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun ahead of a possible deal.
Balogun, who spent the last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Reims and did very well, is expected to leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who is an Arsenal youth product, scored 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season. His loan spell at Middlesbrough during the 2021/22 campaign did not go to plan though.
After showing what he is capable of in France, Balogun might be tempted to go to a club where he can get regular game time. He has changed his international allegiances from England to the USA.
A few days ago, Chelsea announced the arrival of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. Jackson had only one season with the Spanish club’s senior team and he attracted the interest of the Blues.
Chelsea need to rectify their centre-forward issue in this summer window. Although signing Jackson is a good start, it cannot be the end of solution-finding, especially because he has only had one overly-impressive season in Spain and is not proven in the Premier League.
Nothing against Balogun, but the 22-year-old is also an inexperienced striker with one good season in senior football behind him. It would make no sense to sign Jackson and follow up by adding the USA international to the ranks.
Instead, the club can focus on getting someone who can immediately come and make an impact by finishing off the chances the team creates. Since the departure of Diego Costa, the club has tried a lot of number nines but none have worked so far. The trying bit has to continue though. It would be better if someone more experienced than Balogun is signed.
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