Monaco on the verge of signing Folarin Balogun- sources

Monaco are in pole position to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun as talks continue over a deal worth €45 million ($48.5m) as per sources. 

The two clubs are yet to conclude the exact agreement structure but according to sources the Ligue 1 side is leading the race to acquire the services of the 22 year old amidst interest from Chelsea and Inter Milan. 

Chelsa and Milan were both deterred by Arsenal’s original €58.3m asking price. Arsenal’s readiness to deal could force a reconsideration but sources indicated that Chelsea’s valuation of the US international was much lower. 

Forian has not been a part of either of Arsenal’s Premier League matchday squads this season and is seeking regular game time after a stellar loan spell at Reims where he netted 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances. 

If things stay as they are and a fee is finalised at the level presently being discussed, it would beat the record amount regained by the club for a player– the £35m received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017 holds the current record. 

Arsenal are looking to offload numerous fringe players with Kieran Tierney nearing a Real Sociedad season-long loan move while Nuno Tavares, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cederic Soareas are among the other names available for sale in the transfer window.