Arsenal might have found another buyer for Folarin Balogun amid speculation Kylian Mbappe is on the cusp of moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal have submitted a world-record bid for Mbappe, said to be worth €300million (£259million), with the Saudi Arabian club willing to have the forward for only one season if that gets the deal done.
The bid comes after Paris Saint-Germain left Mbappe out of the squad for a pre-season tour of Japan, intending to sell the France international if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
While PSG have reportedly accepted Al-Hilal’s offer, there have been no talks between the Saudi club and Mbappe. Meanwhile, PSG are convinced the 24-year-old has agreed terms to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in a year.
Al-Hilal will attempt to lure Mbappe with a world-record salary, having allegedly offered the forward a net wage worth €200million a year (£172million).
Should the move transpire it would destroy football’s financial norms, but also leave a big gaping hole in PSG’s attack, with the Ligue 1 giants having seen seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi also depart earlier this summer.
And Arsenal might have just the player for them.Balogun to PSG?
The Evening Standard reported on Monday that Inter could switch their attention to West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca if Arsenal fail to lower their £50million asking price for Balogun.Balogun remains Inter’s first choice target after they walked away from a £35million deal for Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku after discovering he had simultaneously held talks with rivals Juventus.
However, while Arenal know that Inter are willing to spend big on a striker this summer, it is unlikely to reach their asking price.
One club that could pay the required £50million for Balogun is PSG, who will be desperate to bolster their attacking option ahead of the new season.
Indeed, Balogun starred in France’s top flight last term, netting 22 goals in 39 games in all competitions for Reims, including a goal against the Parisians.
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