Man United give Arsenal surprise Folarin Balogun transfer dilemma as deal agreed

Arsenal know that they still need to focus on sales if they are to push for more incomings later in the window. Having spent more than their rivals in the first six weeks of the summer, there is still work to be done in midfield and potentially further forward as well.

Mohammed Kudus remains a key target heading into the final month of the window and can play in attack with a deeper role also possible. Gabri Veiga is another being looked at, reports suggest, despite Kai Havertz coming in to seemingly fill both slots.

It is the exits from north London that could yet decide just how strongly Mikel Arteta’s side go in for their desired new recruits, though. It has been said that they wish to acquire at least £70million ($89m) for Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun, funds that they hope will allow them to dip back into the pool of targets.

In order to get to that stage, they are looking increasingly likely to need to move on from Balogun. He is in demand with offers from Inter on the table as well as previous interest from RB Leipzig, Crystal Palace and rumoured admiration from Chelsea as well.

The 22-year-old has two players ahead of him in the team already with Havertz himself posing as another obstacle. Given his demand of first team football, it seems that a move away will be granted to the benefit of both parties.

Now, despite Italy so far looking the most likely destination, The Independent write that Manchester United have looked at the possibility of signing the Hale End graduate.

READ MORE: Arsenal ‘finalise’ fourth transfer as Mohammed Kudus makes $51m decision amid Chelsea links

The Red Devils are determined to sign a striker this summer and have made Rasmus Hojlund their priority target but the 20-year-old has a massive price tag for his output so far and Balogun could be a back-up option. Although it is said that the USMNT star is seen as unrealistic, it is certainly one for Arsenal to ponder.

football.london says: Arsenal are in a sticky place with Balogun. The fact that elite teams are watching him closely is perhaps a warning but given the strength of their attack across the board last season, it’s hard to see a way in for him.

Young players are more ambitious and determined than ever with the willingness and possibility to go abroad for new opportunites. Balogun did just that and has so far been rewarded. He now needs to find the next step in his career and trying to displace Jesus or Havertz is a tough ask for a player without Premier League experience.

It’s not to say he couldn’t develop quickly but even with Champions League football and increased expectations and demands for success this season, gametime will still be at a premium given the options Arteta has.

Arsenal are not going to want to strengthen United, though. They would surely prefer to sell to Inter but there are financial questions. there around whether the Italian club can afford a move. An in-league transfer would see his…