Arsenal might have found another buyer for Folarin Balogun amid speculation Kylian Mbappe is on the cusp of moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal have submitted a world-record bid for Mbappe, said to be worth €300million (£259million), with the Saudi Arabian club willing to have the forward for only one season if that gets the deal done.
The bid comes after Paris Saint-Germain left Mbappe out of the squad for a pre-season tour of Japan, intending to sell the France international if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
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While PSG have reportedly accepted Al-Hilal’s offer, there have been no talks between the Saudi club and Mbappe. Meanwhile, PSG are convinced the 24-year-old has agreed terms to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in a year.
Al-Hilal will attempt to lure Mbappe with a world-record salary, having allegedly offered the forward a net wage worth €200million a year (£172million).
Should the move transpire it would destroy football’s financial norms, but also leave a big gaping hole in PSG’s attack, with the Ligue 1 giants having seen seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi also depart earlier this summer.
And Arsenal might have just the player for them.
Balogun to PSG?
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The Evening Standard reported on Monday that Inter could switch their attention to West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca if Arsenal fail to lower their £50million asking price for Balogun.
Balogun remains Inter’s first choice target after they walked away from a £35million deal for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku after discovering he had simultaneously held talks with rivals Juventus.
However, while Arenal know that Inter are willing to spend big on a striker this summer, it is unlikely to reach their asking price.
One club that could pay the required £50million for Balogun is PSG, who will be desperate to bolster their attacking option ahead of the new season.
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Indeed, Balogun starred in France’s top flight last term, netting 22 goals in 39 games in all competitions for Reims, including a goal against the Parisians.
Topics: Football, Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Premier League, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League