Report: Arsenal want £15m for Folarin Balogun; reject Sheffield United bid

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Arsenal have rejected a £3 million bid for Folarin Balogun from Sheffield United, with the Daily Mail reporting that they want £15 million for the striker.

Balogun looks to be heading for the Emirates exit at some stage in the coming months. The Mail notes that his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the season.

And that has prompted the Blades to make a seven-figure bid for the 19-year-old, who is yet to make his first-team debut at the Emirates.

The Daily Mail reports that they offered an initial £3 million plus add-ons for the teenager. However, Arsenal’s response is said to have left Chris Wilder’s men stunned.

According to the Mail, Arsenal want a package worth £15 million for Balogun. It is not clear whether Sheffield United will return with a fresh offer, but it would certainly appear that they are going to need Arsenal to drop their asking price.

TBR View: Makes sense for Arsenal to reach agreement if Balogun is not going to sign new contract

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can convince Balogun to sign a new contract. The fact that his future has not been resolved at this stage would suggest that an exit is likely.

It would therefore, make a lot of sense for Arsenal to be open to a compromise. It is hefty demand for the Gunners to hold out for £15 million.

As noted by BBC Sport, Aston Villa are set to pay £20 million for Emiliano Martinez. Of course, neither has been a first-team regular at the Emirates, but Martinez was outstanding late last season.

They should obviously not let Balogun leave on the cheap. But it could be best for all parties if an agreement can be reached before this window shuts.