Chelsea target and Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is on his way to Monaco after agreeing a deal. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea target Folarin Balogun is set to undergo medicals for AS Monaco on Tuesday after Monaco agreed to sign the youngster for €40 million.
The Blues have now missed another signing after failing to acquire Mohammed Kudus, who joined West Ham United. With the transfer window nearing an end Chelsea will have to accelerate their acquisition of targets.
Chelsea also agreed personal terms with the striker, and Balogun was open to joining the Blues after Arsenal didn’t include the 22-year-old in the matchday squads for their last three games.
This made it clear he wasn’t in Mikel Arteat’s plans. The West Londoners made contact with Arsenal regarding Balogun’s signing, which saw the Gunners demand £50 million for him.
Balogun’s performance during his loan spell at Stade Reims last season seems to have impressed Chelsea, as he produced 21 league goals. Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled in front of goal themselves and scored just 38 league goals.
During the summer window, Chelsea only acquired Nicolas Jackson, who has finally scored his first Chelsea goal. But the Blues seem to be still in the market to sign another attacking player.
Balogun is not a major loss, but he is a gifted striker who may have flourished under Mauricio Pochettino. Nevertheless, this is acceptable because Monaco jumped at the chance to sign him while Chelsea made no bids.
For a 22-year-old who hasn’t participated in the Premier League to a great extent, £50 million was too much. Towards the end of the transfer windows, price tags become bloated automatically.
Once Christopher Nkunku returns, we will have a strong attacking line with him, Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja. Let’s see if the next three days see Chelsea make a move for a new No. 9. Although one would think it is too late to start, conduct and conclude negotiations with a fresh target.
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