After reports linked Sheffield United with a move for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, boss Chris Wilder has himself admitted that they have enquired about the striker.
Sheffield United Interested in Folarin Balogun
Hefty Valuation on the Striker’s Head
Although Balogun wasn’t actually mentioned by name by Chris Wilder, it’s clear that the 19-year old is the player he is talking about with various outlets all reporting on the club’s interest in the youngster.
The forward has yet to make an actual first-team appearance for the Gunners but he is very highly rated at the Emirates Stadium, hence the rather large asking price of £10 million for his services.
Regular Starter for Arsenal U23s and U18s
This is likely down to his performances for the club’s U23 side. In the Premier Division 2 (Reserve League), he has been one of the most clinical players for Arsenal.
He has 17 goal contributions in 31 games for the U23s, which is no mean feat. Add in the fact that he had a further 46 goal contributions in just 41 games for the U18s and it proves just how clinical the young striker can be.
These showings also lead to appearances for both England and USA’s Under-18 teams.
Brentford Were Previously Interested in Balogun
Sheffield United aren’t the only team to have registered a keen interest in Balogun. Back in January, as Brentford were on the lookout for players to give them a final push towards Championship promotion, and they looked to the striker as a potential recruit.
However, after lodging a bid for the forward, they were put off by Arsenal’s then £8 million asking price and the deal collapsed.
With the player in the final year of his contract, though – and with no offer of first-team football on the table yet with the Gunners – he could be sold off this summer rather than letting him leave for nothing next summer.
Wilder: ‘It’s Left With the CEO’
With these reports now emerging of a deal to take him to the Blades, boss Chris Wilder was asked about a potential deal this morning and confirmed that there has been an enquiry made.
He said: “We made an enquiry regarding the young man at Arsenal.
“That’s left with the CEO at our football club and at Arsenal. We want attributes at the top of the pitch that move us forward.”
If they can seal a deal for Balogun, then Sheffield United will finally have the extra options they want to help bolster their strike force and help them establish themselves as a proven Premier League club this season.
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