Italian transfer market website, Calciomercatoweb has disclosed that Super Eagles eligible striker Folarin Balogun could be used as makeweight to sign Algerian former Gunners midfielder Ismael Bennacer....CONTINUE READING
Bennacer was a key player in the Algerian squad that won the African Cup of Nations in 2019, and was awarded the Total Man of the Competition, the prize given to the most valuable player in the competition.
21 year old Balogun who was recently snubbed by Gareth Southgate in the recent England squad for the upcoming EURO 2024 qualifiers, but was named in the U21 squad, has scored 17 league goals in the French topflight this season for his club Reims.
It was only in January that Bennacer extended his contract with Milan, but might still leave if potential suitors can meet his valuation.
In a bid to smoothing up the expensive outlay, reports in Italy claims that the Gunners are willing to offer the services of Balogun, who will likely have a tough time to claim a starting spot in this Gunners team with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and even Gabriel Martinelli, who has been used centrally most recently, all above him in the pecking order in the eyes of Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League club would also offer cash in addition to the player’s transfer. Balogun who is yet to make his first international appearance, could likely feature for Nigeria, his Parents home nation or the USA where he was born, as well as the Three Lions of England.
In the aftermath of his England exclusion, Balogun posted up on his social media handle saying, “you go where you are needed”, which many believe was a dig aimed at England boss, Southgate.
