After strong competition from Chelsea, Monaco finally convinced Arsenal to part with Folarin Balogun. The player will be undergoing medical for AF Monaco on Tuesday.
Earlier this season, the player was the focus of multiple clubs including the Blues, Les Rouge et Blanc, and Inter Milan. The commotion stemmed from his immaculate performance during the Ligue 1 while loaned to Reims.
Due to the demand, the Gunners decided to make a profit of the player. The roster had its fair share of strikes and would not have made full use of the talent otherwise.
Chelsea was the the first to target the player and were even considered the favourites. As the club not only had a head start, but also seemed as the player’s preferred option. Balogun has little experience in the Premier league and had expressed the desire to further partake in the competition, giving Chelsea the advantage.
However, Monaco proved itself a fierce competitor. The club wasted little time agreeing to both the initial asking fee of £50 million and to the player’s personal terms. Thus the two clubs were on equal terms despite Chelsea’s head start.
Monaco and Arsenal complete negotiations concerning Balogun
Monaco was able to surpass competition and land a deal on the striker. The player’s price is an estimated €40m (£34.3m) to €45m (£38.6m). While a considerable amount, it is nowhere near the initial its original value, marking a great victory for the buyers.
Balogun will be arriving to Monaco on Tuesday in order to complete his medical exams as well as sign his new 5 year contract with the club.
This mark the end of the ambiguity surrounding the 22 year old future, as well as the fierce competition for him, for the time being.
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