Arsenal could sell striker to London rivals

Arsenal will look to build upon their win against Nottingham Forest when they face Crystal Palace on Monday.

First-half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka were enough to see the Gunners win 2-1 at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta will likely be happy with the performance he saw from his side last weekend as the North London outfit asserted their dominance against Forest and took control of the game.

The Gunners have been busy in the transfer market as they acquired Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya to bolster the first-team squad after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last term.

Meanwhile, Arteta’s side have been busy with outgoings as they try to recoup some of the huge funds they used to bring in their targets this summer.

Now it seems that Arsenal could be seeing one of their strikers leave the club this term, and potentially even to a London rival.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.

The report claims that the Blues are interested in the forward, but there have been no official bids for the player.

Chelsea will have to act swiflty if they want to sign the American, as AS Monaco reportedly remain in talks with the North Londoners for the striker.

Folarin Balogun has attracted interest from Chelsea, AS Monaco and Inter Milan.

Balogun, 22, has risen through the youth ranks in North London with Arsenal but has only appeared in 10 senior games for the Gunners.

The striker spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship and made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Teesiders.

Balogun netted three goals and notched up three assists for Middlesbrough.

However, Balogun enjoyed a successful breakthrough campaign last term after his impressive spell with Stade Reims in Ligue 1.

The American bagged 21 goals and contributed three assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances for the French side.

Balogun is contracted to the North London outfit until 2025, and Arsenal are standing firm on their £50m asking price for the forward.