Inter hatch Arsenal transfer plan as Balogun stance revealed after Monaco bid

Folarin Balogun is facing an uncertain future at Arsenal with Inter Milan and Monaco interested in the USMNT international

Inter Milan are monitoring Folarin Balogun's situation at Arsenal whilst plotting a shock £17million swoop for Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Gunners are set for a busy end to the summer transfer window with more outgoings and incomings expected at the Emirates Stadium.

Declan Rice became the club's record signing after the arrivals of Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz last month. Matt Turner was the latest player to leave Arsenal after the goalkeeper completed a £10million switch to Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners are set to face Forest in their first game of the new Premier League season on Saturday. Balogun could be the next outgoing at the Emirates Stadium after AS Monaco had a written offer turned down by the Gunners earlier this week, football.london understands.

The French side are expected to return an improved offer to replace Breel Embolo - who suffered a severe ACL injury - whilst Inter continue to monitor the 22-year-old's situation. However, it seems that the Italian giants are also considering a £17million swoop for Tomiyasu.

Inter director Piero Ausilio issued a stance on Balogun earlier this week. Ausilio told reporters: "We want someone who can score goals and for sure Balogun is one of the opportunities, but not the only one we are tracking."

Meanwhile, according to FCInter1908, Inter have turned their attention to Tomiyasu as they look to bolster their defence following Milan Skriniar's exit to Paris Saint-Germain. The Japan international has some Serie A experience under his belt after his spell with Bologna between 2019 and 2021.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna back in 2021, but has been struggling for playing time in North London - with his contract set to expire in 2025. It looks unlikely that Inter will be able to compete with Monaco for the signing of Balogun due to the £50million asking price set by Arsenal - but a move for Tomiyasu could materialise following Timber's arrival at the club.