AC Milan are stepping up preparations to sign Arsenal centre-forward Folarin Balogun, according to Calciomercato.
The Rossoneri are prioritising the signing of a striker this summer. They are ready to contact Balogun’s agent and people over a deal.
Milan will receive a €50 million transfer budget in the coming weeks. They will also get some money from sales to add to that sum.
A chunk of that budget will go into signing a new striker. Despite Olivier Giroud’s 11 goals, he has missed 15 big chances in Serie A this season.
Also, his lack of speed has slowed many Milan attacks down. He is advancing in age and needs to be playing backup to a fresher option.
Furthermore, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will leave the club this summer when his contract expires. Divock Origi could also depart after an uninspiring debut campaign in Italy.
Milan’s number one target for the position is Balogun, who has impressed on loan in Ligue 1 with Reims. They like his profile and think he is a fit for Italian football.
Balogun, who recently agreed to play for the United States, has decent hold-up play and runs the channels well. He works hard defensively and is a ruthless finisher.
There are still aspects of his game to refine, but that is only normal for a 21-year-old. He has so much time to improve.
Balogun has netted 20 goals in 35 appearances for his side in the league. He has also created eight big chances, registering two assists.
One would think those numbers would impress parent club Arsenal to keep him, but they consider him sellable.
They are ready to cash in on their academy youngster and stick with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
AC Milan want to place themselves in a pole position to sign Balogun. They will need to part with around €35 million to clinch a deal with the Gunners.
After Balogun, Milan could return to London for another player. They are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus Cheek.
