AC Milan remain keen on signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun but they are aware that the cost to sign the American international will be “very high”, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Rossoneri have been offered the chance to sign Mehdi Taremi from Porto, who would be a cheaper alternative, but the Serie A side remain focused on signing either Balogun or Lille’s Jonathan David.

With Milan having raised the best part of £60m from the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle, they should have the funds for Balogun (who is reportedly valued at £50m), and most fans on Twitter are calling on the Italian club to pay up:

50m and you can have him

— Kira (@kiki_08078) July 10, 2023

Better sell to them than to Chelsea

— Based Gunner 🩸 (@basedgunner) July 10, 2023

If Mudryk is going for £90m , Balogun should be close to that.

— kendrickmclaren (@kendrickmclare1) July 10, 2023

They will still bid €15M

— Arsenal ERA (@Arsenal_Era) July 10, 2023

Anything below 50Ms is disrespectful 😉

— HugoEnzo (@HugoEnzoMrx) July 10, 2023

£50m + add ons

— Zam (@MadhaniZameer) July 11, 2023

Bring that cash baby 💸💸💸

— Onyls.🏷️ (@AFC_Onyls) July 11, 2023

There are other teams interested in Balogun

As some supporters have mentioned, Chelsea have also been suggested as potential suitors but you can’t see the Gunners selling to a direct rival unless they are willing to pay a sizeable amount.

They had to pay the Blues the best part of £65m for Kai Havertz and, if they want Balogun, you would expect sporting director Edu to be equally tough in negotiations when it comes to the transfer fee being requested.

Based on recent reports, though, Balogun’s likeliest destination is still thought to be abroad. In addition to Milan, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig are known to be very interested in the 22-year-old, while clubs in France (where he spent a year on loan with Stade de Reims) are also keen.

Arsenal won’t let him leave on the cheap

Balogun has made his position clear after refusing to move on loan again, as well as turning down the chance of signing a contract extension. With two years remaining on his current deal, this summer is the best time to sell him for a good fee.

Considering the forward scored 22 goals last campaign too, the Gunners are well within their rights to demand a high price, even if the player does become frustrated about not getting his move.