Monaco are “expected to submit another bid” for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, according to CBS Sports reporter James Benge.

The journalist claims that the Ligue One side are preparing a follow-up offer after having their opening proposal, worth $43m (£34m), knocked back by the Gunners.

Balogun does have other suitors, including both Milan clubs, but the forward’s £50m asking price has put off teams from pursuing the player.

Whether Monaco’s next bid will come close to matching Arsenal’s valuation, we shall have to wait and see.

West Ham could rival Monaco for Balogun

The Hammers have also been credited with an interest in the American international and they are the one team who do have the funds to match the striker’s price tag.

On top of the £100m they received from Arsenal for Declan Rice, they also sold Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta for around £27m. However, as things stand, David Moyes’ side have prioritised signings in other areas of the pitch.

After recruiting midfielders Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, it is believed that their next target will be a centre-back, rather than a forward.

The Arsenal striker is back in training

Balogun’s departure doesn’t look to be imminent, unless Monaco come up with a significantly improved offer, so it will be interesting to see where the 22-year-old fits into Mikel Arteta’s plans.

After missing a good chunk of pre-season due to a foot injury, Balogun has been seen back in training this week. He could, though, find himself a long way down the pecking order.

With Kai Havertz starting the Community Shield and Eddie Nketiah scoring on the opening day of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest, Balogun is likely to be behind those two forwards for minutes. Once Gabriel Jesus returns from a knee injury, he may be deemed fourth choice.  A departure from the Emirates before the transfer deadline does, therefore, look inevitable.