Arsenal transfer news: The latest media briefing from the Emirates Stadium with reaction to stories on Liverpool, Romeo Lavia and Folarin Balogun.
The transfer window is full of conflicting goals this summer as teams from across the world battle to sign some of the best players out there. Arsenal have so far had a relatively stress free time of it.
Jurrien Timber was sown up quickly and Kai Havertz emerged as a target and was holding a shirt shortly after as well. It has been a breeze so far this summer but things now look set to change.
Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that Liverpool are keen to add midfielders to their squad after a firesale of players. James Milner was the first to leave but in recent weeks the number has grown with Jordan Henderson moving to Saudi Arabia and Fabinho also still in the mix to join him.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have also departed and even with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai brought in, the Reds are after more.
“It's definitely important to strengthen in midfield. We have to do something, that is clear," Klopp admitted on Saturday. “We are working on solutions. First people want changes, now everyone is worrying about the changes. We are really optimistic about it. Excited as well."
Arsenal are willing to let him go but value him at around £50million ($64m), football.london understands. It has so far priced teams across the continent out of a deal but Inter are sticking around.
It hasn't put the Italian side off, though. Reports suggest that Inter have made Balogun their primary target and won't be considering a switch towards Alvaro Morata anymore. They had hoped to pick the USMNT star up for a similar price to that of their offer for Romelu Lukaku but that will now have to change.
With Italian publications suggesting that a recruitment meeting was held to discuss how they go about their business, it's Balogun that is attracting the most attention. Even with Udinese striker Beto being on the list, Balogun's age and potential is making him their concrete first choice.
football.london says: Balogun staying for much longer doesn't seem to benefit anyone. The player is after first team football and his lack of action in pre-season doesn't bode too well for the upcoming season. With extra attacking depth it is a true battle for Balogun to get in ahead of Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah let alone Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who have also been used.
As long as Arsenal yield to Inter's bid at some stage, even loosening their price demands just a little bit, then it's certainly a deal that we see being done and it enhances the prospects of all parties. Arsenal will have money to spend and Balogun can forge a new chapter to his career.
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