Arsenal at risk of losing their 'next Ian Wright' as Mikel Arteta makes decision

Posted Wednesday, July 26, 2023 by Express.co.uk

The Gunners could risk loosing one of their most promising strikers as Inter Milan prepare a £35 million bid.

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been training alone during the Premier League club's pre-season tour of the United States. The striker has been linked with a move away from the club in recent days, with Serie A team Inter Milan prepared to make an offer.

The 22-year-old has since returned to his parent club and has featured twice in the club's recent friendly games. The striker came off the bench against the MLS All-Stars and Nurnberg, but was left on the bench as the team faced Manchester United.

Balogun has been joined by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has also been training separately from the group. Although the Ukranian is still recovering from a calf injury which he picked up last season.

Arsenal at risk of losing their 'next Ian Wright' as Mikel Arteta makes decision

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been linked with a move away this summer (Image: GETTY)

The news comes amid heavy speculation linking the New York-born forward with a move away from the Premier Leauge. Italian giants Inter Milan are said to be keen on the striker who could replace the outgoing Romelu Lukaku.

A reported £35m bid to set to be offered for the Arsenal striker in the coming days. However, the Gunners are looking for close to £50m.

Reports of a transfer could come as a surprise to many Arsenal fans with Balogun having enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is one who has rated the youngster highly, even comparing him to one of the club's most iconic players.

Following Arsenal's 4-2 win over Dundalk back in 2020, Keown said: "I am looking at him and thinking 'remember the name' really with the way he looked tonight.

"The way he linked up, that is a great turn. You try to compare, is it Andy Cole or Ian Wright? There is that sort of movement about him. I know those are big name players and if he can live up to that he will have some career.

"I just like the way he is always looking on the shoulder and his movement. The way he scores the goal, the way he comes onto it he is pointing, give me it, this is my moment. He has had to wait for his opportunity, he is 19 years old and showing really good signs."

Arsenal will face Barcelona next at the SoFi Stadium in California on the next leg of their pre-season tour.