Chelsea make bold Folarin Balogun transfer approach with USMNT star open to joining Arsenal's London rivals

The United States international is expected to be on the move before the summer window slams shut, with the 22-year-old – who hit 21 goals while on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims last season – eager to find regular football for 2023-24.

Arsenal’s asking price, which could be as high as £50 million ($64m), has put some suitors off – with offers from the likes of Monaco being knocked back. Fulham, Inter and RB Leipzig are among the other clubs to have been credited with interest in the USMNT star.

Standard Sport is, however, reporting that Chelsea are ready to firm up their interest in Balogun in an ongoing bid to bring more firepower into their squad. The highly-rated frontman is said to be keen on discussing a deal with the Blues – who have lost new recruit Christopher Nkunku to injury and are waiting on Armando Broja to recover full fitness after knee surgery.

Balogun is under contract at Arsenal through to 2025, but he faces competition for places from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at Emirates Stadium and is looking to secure a switch that will allow him to become a leading man outside of north London.