Sheffield United are in “positive discussions” about the potential signing of Folarin Balogun from Arsenal, reports Yorkshire Live.
Club CEO Stephen Bettis has been in talks with Edu. The former midfielder has taken over transfer negotiations at the Emirates Stadium following the departure of Raul Sanllehi.
Bettis has also been speaking with Gunners chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. The Blades are hopeful they can come to an agreement for Balogun.
The striker only has one year left on his current contract. Yet while the North London side say they will consider offers, they are in no rush to sell.
They have also told Bettis how much they want for Balogun. This report doesn’t elaborate, but it was previously claimed the 19-year-old is valued at £15m.
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This emerged after United had an initial £3m bid for Balogun rejected.
Why the Blades want Folarin Balogun
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Manager Chris Wilder is extremely keen to sign a new forward before this transfer window shuts on October 5. The 53-year-old has made this clear to the board, with United having failed to score in their opening two Premier League matches.
While Wilder is keen not to focus on one target, both Balogun and Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster are top of his wish list. Brewster was left out of the Reds squad last night for their 7-2 Carabao Cup victory at Lincoln City, indicating he could be on his way out.
However, both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also interested in the 20-year-old.
The Blades have apparently made a loan-to-buy offer for Brewster, agreeing to pay in excess of £20m for the England Under-21 international next summer.
There is a reason Wilder is prioritising recruitment in attack. Scoring goals hasn’t only been a problem so far this season, but since the South Yorkshire side returned to the top flight.
Last term, only three teams in the division scored fewer than United.
There issues upfront have only been exacerbated by the news that Lys Mousset is out with a foot injury. There is currently no known return date.
