Inter Milan are set to firm up their interest in Folarin Balogun with a €40m bid for the Arsenal forward.
Inter have turned their attention to Balogun after withdrawing from negotiations over a deal to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, as the Italian side look to bring in a centre-forward this summer.
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Inter have held talks with Balogun’s representatives over a potential switch to the San Siro and The Athletic are reporting that the Champions League finalists are preparing a formal offer of €40m (£34.3m).
Balogun has emerged as a transfer target for clubs across Europe after a brilliant spell on loan at Reims last season.
The 22-year-old scored 21 league goals for the Ligue 1 side and has since switched his international allegiance from England to the USA, with the forward scoring his first goal for the USMNT in their Nations League final victory over Canada in June. Arsenal are understood to value the academy graduate at around £50m.
Inter have made the signing of a centre-forward their focus after the departures of Edin Dzeko and Lukaku this summer. The latter spent last season on loan at the club, but discussions over a permanent deal broke down with Chelsea.
Lukaku has now been linked with a move to divisional rivals Juventus, with Chelsea demanding a fee of €45m for the Belgium international.
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