Folarin Balogun emerges as Inter Milan’s priority Romelu Lukaku replacement

Folarin Balogun is being linked with a move away from Arsenal (Image: Getty Images) Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has emerged as a top target for Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. The USMNT star faces an uncertain club future after his successful loan spell last season.  Balogun spent the 2022-23 season in his temporary spell with French club Stade Reims. During the course of the campaign, the 22-year-old scored 22 goals in 39 appearances and earned plenty of admirers with his performances. It was on May 16 that Balogun announced his intention to switch nationalities from England and compete for the USMNT. In his two caps so far, Balogun has scored one goal, which came in the CONCACAF Nations League final against Canada on June 19. Since then, Balogun has linked up with Arsenal for the team’s pre-season tour of the US. And now there are rumours that he could be on the move again, but this time on a permanent basis. Folarin Balogun decided to play for the USMNT in May (Image: Getty Images) According to La Gazzetta dello Sport , Serie A giants Inter Milan are considering making a move for Balogun. It is claimed he is one of their top targets this summer after taking a step back from pursuing Alvaro Morata.  It has been reported that the Champions League finalists are searching for a new forward as a possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who spent last year on loan from Chelsea. There were reportedly talks to bring the Belgian back on a permanent deal, but that failed to materialise. As a result, Inter have been looking to sign a new striker for the 2023/24 season. Balogun is reportedly one of the targets the club is considering, along with Udinese forward Beto, according to the aforementioned article. Arsenal have been rather active in the transfer market this summer, after qualifying for the Champions League with a second-place finish in the Premier League last term. Kai Havertz was signed from Chelsea for £65 million and is likely to compete with Gabriel Jesus for the main striker role. Manager Mikel Arteta also has several other forward options at his disposal, as well as Balogun. Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Marquinhos can all play along the forward line. Balogun progressed through the Arsenal academy to get where he is today but has only made 10 appearances with two goals so far in his relatively young career. It remains to be seen what Arsenal and the player’s intentions are regarding a possible transfer this summer.