New Arsenal exit opportunity opens up as Fulham prepare crafty swoop for £50m upgrade

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has now caught the attention of Fulham as a potential replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports.

Mitrovic is a top target for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, which means Fulham need a new forward, despite already bringing in Raul Jimenez from Wolves this summer. And according to the Daily Mail, Balogun could be their solution.

The USMNT striker is still at Arsenal after returning from a productive loan spell with Reims in France. However, Charles Watts told TEAMtalk this week to still expect a permanent exit for Balogun before the transfer window closes.

There have been various links with Premier League rivals for Balogun, including some in London. It has been suggested that Tottenham might move for him to fill their Harry Kane void, while TEAMtalk understands he is also of interest to West Ham United.

But now, the Daily Mail has claimed Fulham could also offer him a cross-capital switch, which would cost somewhere in the region of £50million.

There are two years remaining on Balogun’s contract with Arsenal, but he wants regular first-team football, which he might not get there even after an injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Indeed, the 22-year-old – who has also been the subject of some bids by Monaco – is yet to feature for Arsenal in their first two games this season.

After scoring 22 goals for Reims last season, Balogun will be eager to maintain his momentum. Therefore, an exit is still on the cards if anyone can make a sufficient offer.

Balogun and Fulham could meet each other’s needs

At Fulham, Balogun would likely become a focal point up front in the post-Mitrovic era. He would have big boots to fill after the Serbian star’s 111 goals for the club, but given the age difference, could become a long-term successor.

Fulham have already signed Jimenez, Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey this summer – and, according to the report, are also interested in Manchester United’s Eric Bailly and Benfica’s Morato for their defence – while aiming to reinforce a squad that finished in the top half at the first attempt after their promotion from the Championship.

Things seem to be much more stable at Craven Cottage than the last couple of times they came up into the Premier League, but they will need to consolidate their status this season and any new additions should help.

Jimenez and Traore have both added to their attack, but neither are renowned for being prolific these days. Therefore, Balogun might be the most useful signing they could make to replace Mitrovic.

Whether they can succeed where others have failed, in terms of convincing Arsenal to sell, remains to be seen.

They would also have to persuade Balogun to give up participation in European football, but since that wasn’t on offer at Reims last season anyway, theoretically it might not be the biggest issue.

Balogun has plenty of years ahead of him to aim for the highest level, but he needs to take steps to get there and Fulham would provide him with a platform of a decent standard to continue his development while earning a long-awaited Premier League breakthrough.

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