Arsenal academy product in talks over shock Chelsea move: report

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Arsenal could let one of their prized Hale End stars depart to Chelsea this summer, in one of the window's biggest shocks

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the pre season friendly between Arsenal XI and Watford at London Colney on July 08, 2023 in St Albans, England.
(Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are facing the prospect of Chelsea signing one of their biggest academy stars in years this summer.

The Gunners have had a busy window bringing in new talent. With a preseason trip to the United States on the horizon, the club are expected this week to announce the double capture of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal have even done business with Chelsea this summer already. Kai Havertz swapped west London for north earlier in the window for a deal thought to be worth £60 million – and now the two rivals may sit around the negotiating table once more.

Kai Havertz poses after signing for Arsenal on June 28, 2023 in Marbella, Spain.

Kai Havertz poses after signing for Arsenal (Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

According to Football Transfers, Hale End starlet Folarin Balogun is in talks with the Blues over a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea have a lack of options up front, with Romelu Lukaku out of the fold following his stint on loan at Inter Milan, Havertz sold and Armando Broja recovering from a serious injury. Nicolas Jackson has been brought in as firepower – but Chelsea still want another forward. 

United States international Balogun impressed hugely while on loan at Reims last season, scoring 21 Ligue 1 across the season. The 22-year-old Brooklyn-born forward has reportedly made it clear to Mikel Arteta that he would like to be starting next season, following his breakout.

The pathway to becoming Arsenal's first-choice No.9 is stacked with talent, however, with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all playing there last season. Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that the Gunners have reluctantly slapped a £50m price tag on Balogun as a result. 

Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States scores a goal and celebrates during the CONCACAF Nations League Final game between United States and Canada at Allegiant Stadium; on June 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Folarin Balogun looks set to leave Arsenal for a huge fee (Image credit: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

There are said to be plenty of other suitors for the player, with AC Milan and Crystal Palace also linked in recent weeks. 

Balogun is valued at €25m by Transfermarkt. 

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal transfer news is ramping up this summer, with the Gunners set to loosen their wage structure to attract the best players.

Jurrien Timber looks to be next to join, Moises Caicedo is heavily linked, Xavi Simons is on the radar, Ivan Fresneda could join, though Arsenal could sell £100m worth of players, too. Romeo Lavia is in the crosshairs – though Liverpool want him, too. 

Meanwhile Folarin Balogun is being valued at £50m.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.