Balogun transfer: Chelsea talks, £50m price tag, Arsenal stance, 5-club battle

Arsenal transfer news: The latest on Folarin Balogun as he edges closer to securing a permanent exit away from the Emirates Stadium

The future of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun will continue to be at the forefront of the transfer window. The USMNT star has been linked with a host of teams after his impressive loan spell in France.

Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are currently ahead of the New York-born forward in Mikel Arteta's pecking order with Kai Havertz's £65 million signing adding further doubt about Balogun's future. With the number of teams interested in his signature gradually increasing, football.london has taken a look at everything you need to know about his future below.

Chelsea talks

Balogun's representatives have reportedly held surprising talks with Chelsea over the possibility of the 22-year-old joining the club.

According to Footballtransfers.com, Balogun's management have 'touched base' with the Gunners' London rivals.

Fresh price tag

Arsenal will now demand £50m for Balogun this summer. The Gunners had previously wanted £35m for the forward, but after learning of the 22-year-old's not to leave on loan again, any potential suitors will have to cough up an extra £15m.

Decision hint

Balogun has teased that a decision over his future is close to being decided. On Twitter on June 30, the striker wrote: "It is time!" The tweet was sent at 6am, from Enfield, London, hinting talks with the club could be imminent.

Marseille interest

Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are reportedly keen on Balogun this summer. According to L'Equipe, the French side accept that the USMNT striker will be expensive. Les Phoceens reportedly want a new partner for ex-Arsenal man Alexis Sanchez.

RB Leipzig issue

German side RB Leipzig are said to be exploring other options this summer after a £35million ($44.5m) price tag was slapped on the forward. It is reported that the price has put them off pushing further for Balogun this window.

Kai Havertz issue

The deal to sign Kai Havertz from Arsenal has handed a massive dilemma to Balogun, who now appears to be fourth choice for the striker role.

Havertz is set to join for £65million ($82m) on a long-term deal as Arteta looks to add depth and quality to his squad. It is yet another player to fight for first team minutes with, though, for Balogun.

Loan choice made

Balogun has come out in full force, confirming that he will not be heading out on loan this summer. Speaking after scoring his first goal for USMNT he said on his future: "What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again.

"I'm not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family."

USMNT decision

His switch to the USA team could play a part in his decision-making over his future. If the striker is to become a regular on the international stage, he will need to be playing regularly.

Price tag set

The Gunners will test the resolve of any interested parties due to their preference to test him in pre-season ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Ligue 1 interest

Despite having Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun at their disposal, Arsenal are reportedly planning a move for Montpellier forward Elye Wahi.

The 20-year-old has scored over 30 Ligue 1 goals and has attracted interest from Europe.

European hunt

AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille and AS Monaco are all in the race for Balogun's signature this summer, according to The Athletic.

Serie A champions Napoli are also monitoring the situation as they potentially look for a replacement for Victor Osimhen.

Crunch talks

Balogun's performances in France have resulted in a number of clubs being interested in his services. According to 90min, the striker will hold crunch talks over his future in the summer.

The outcome of these talks appear likely to be a move elsewhere. Balogun wants first-team assurances and is said to not be keen on another loan spell.

Future uncertainty

Back in March, Balogun spoke about his plans for the summer transfer window amid continued speculation surrounding his future.

"Contractually I have to go back," he told the official Ligue 1 website. "Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn't, um, I'm not sure what is going to happen in the future.

"A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we'll see what happens."

Arteta stance

Back in February, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ruled out to provide any indication of his plan on Balogun over the summer. "The plan is that he finishes his period there, assess the situation where he is, where we are, then sit down and plan the next chapter in his developing career," the Gunners boss said of Balogun.

"[I am] So happy for him," the Spaniard added. "He's a boy with a really clear idea of what he wants to do in his career, really ambitious, really committed and he's really brave. We discussed before whether it was the right place to go and other choices that he had. He was so convinced and I'm really happy for him because he deserves what he's getting.

"He's got something special. That's why we gave him a long-term contract and have faith in him, and give him the long period that he's having now, because the period he's having now is different to the one before at Middlesbrough."