Arsenal and Monaco agree a £34.3m deal for Chelsea attacking target

Chelsea target and Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is on his way to Monaco

As per the Guardian, Arsenal have agreed on a £34.3m deal to sell USA striker Folarin Balogun who has been a subject of interest for Chelsea this summer.

The Gunners have included a massive sell-on clause in the deal. The 22-year-old will now undergo medical before signing a contract with the Ligue 1 side.

Chelsea had been interested in signing him earlier in the window. But, Metro revealed that they and Arsenal are far apart in the valuation of the player. So, any deal happening was not becoming a possibility.

Balogun had an exceptional season on loan at Reims last time around. He scored 22 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions. Hence, in a way, he knows a way around doing well in France. This move to Monaco may suit him in the long run as a result.

We almost forget that the striker is still only 22 years old. If he has a good 2-3 years at Monaco, English clubs like Chelsea can sign him after that and bolster their centre-forward department.

For the here and now though, the Blues should look in the market for a number nine. Although Nicolas Jackson has looked good and he opened his club account against Luton Town, Mauricio Pochettino could do with another forward before the deadline.

The manager also said that the club cannot go into panic buy mode just before there are only a few days left in the window. With so many injuries in that department, one can feel the hierarchy going in that mode.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea are still looking to boost their squad before September 1 deadline
• Brentford brace for January bidding war for Ivan Toney with Chelsea and Tottenham interested
• Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino believes the process is good enough to garner success in the future

The transfer deadline is six days away. We know crazy things happen the closer we get to the deadline. Expect no different this time around!