Chelsea become latest London rival to eye £50m Folarin Balogun transfer from Arsenal as Blues rival Spurs and Fulham
CHELSEA have reportedly joined the chase for Arsenal star Folarin Balogun.
The 22-year-old forward scored 21 goals for Stade Reims in Ligue 1 during a loan spell that announced his arrival on the big stage last term.
Balogun’s performances also earned him a first call-up from the USA after switching his international allegiance from England.
His remarkable season, which came after just two Premier League appearances for Arsenal and an underwhelming time on loan to Middlesbrough in the Championship the previous campaign, sparked huge interest in him.
But the striker has announced that he is open to leaving the Emirates this summer as he feels he has proved he can play at the top level.
We reported previously how AS MONACO have had a £34m bid rejected by Arsenal, who allegedly value the hotshot nearer to £50m.
The youngster also has a number of English sides chasing him, with Tottenham and West Ham both linked, before we revealed that Fulham have also joined the race.
However, now the Daily Mail have thrown Chelsea into the mix.
They claim that the Blues “held talks on Friday” over a swoop for Balogun and are now weighing-up whether to make an offer.
Chelsea have bolstered their forward line already this summer.
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Nicolas Jackson joined in a £32m deal from Villarreal.
And the Senegal international was the second arrival upfront, with £52m Christopher Nkunku already secured from RM Leipzig.
However, the France ace is currently ruled out through injury, and that has left boss Mauricio Pochettino wanting an extra body within the attacking ranks.
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