Sheffield United have seen a bid rejected by Arsenal for young striker, Florarin Balogun, as Chris Wilder looks to continue to strengthen his options upfront.
The Daily Mail claims that the Blades have lodged a £3m bid for the teenager but have been swiftly turned down by the Gunners, who apparently want closer to £15m for their man.
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Balogun is highly-rated in north London but has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with no sign of a new deal being reached yet for the 19-year-old.
He scored 10 times last season at under-23 level, following on from an impressive display the season before where he rattled in 28 goals for the Gunners youth teams.
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However, despite being free to sign for a new club in January, Arsenal are standing firm. The report claims that they want a deal structured around a £15m fee, which would see United pay a fee first then contribute add-ons throughout his time at Bramall Lane.
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Balogun is a new name to emerge when it comes to Chris Wilder’s transfer targets. He is desperate for a new striker, with Rhian Brewster the name being mentioned most in recent weeks.
But with Lys Mousset now injured, Wilder may well try to snap up both Balogun and Brewster, although one would need to be a permanent deal due to loan restrictions.
Balogun is a fine talent but £15m is a massive fee – Our View
United need a striker but there’s no point being held to ransom either. Balogun is an excellent prospect but the key word there is prospect.
He has no experience at first-team level as yet so to fork £15m out on him would be a risk. However, if the Blades can somehow negotiate a cheaper deal or even a loan with a view to buy, it could work out.
At 19, Balogun fits the mould of up and coming players with points to prove in the PL. It remains to be seen, though, if Arsenal will lower their asking-price.
