According to recent reports, Arsenal has set their asking prices for Folarin Balogun and Thomas Partey, indicating their willingness to consider offers for either player during this summer transfer window.
Last season, Partey played regularly for Arsenal as they competed for the title against Manchester City, while Balogun had a highly successful loan spell at Reims in Ligue 1. Despite Reims finishing in the bottom half of the league, Balogun managed to score an impressive 21 goals, surpassing the goal tally of renowned players like Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette, and Jonathan David.
Balogun has also made notable contributions during the summer, playing a significant role in the United States’ triumph in the CONCACAF Nations League last month.
The Mirror suggests that Arsenal aims to recoup some of their expenses after completing the signing of Kai Havertz and with potential transfers of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber on the horizon. Balogun is one of the assets the club is willing to part ways with, and they are reportedly seeking bids in the region of £50 million for the talented 22-year-old.
It appears that Arsenal is not solely focused on Balogun, as The Sun indicates they would consider offers of around £30 million for Partey, despite not actively looking to sell the player. Partey played a crucial role in Mikel Arteta’s midfield last season, making 40 appearances across all competitions alongside Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard.
However, with the imminent arrival of Rice, Partey’s playing time may be reduced, leading Arsenal to potentially cash in on him, despite reports suggesting the club would prefer to retain his services.
This decision may be influenced by midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga’s expressed desire for regular first-team football. Lokonga, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, struggled to make a significant impact, starting only one game under the management of Roy Hodgson, resulting in a defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In a recent Youtube video with Wonhee Hyung, Lokonga expressed his eagerness to secure consistent game time for the upcoming season. He stated, “I will try to go somewhere I will play, that’s the most important thing, to have some games and play game after game.”
In addition to Balogun, Partey, and Lokonga, The Mirror report also mentioned the potential departures of Cedric Soares and Nicolas Pepe. Both players had limited playing time during their loan spells last season, with Pepe being plagued by injuries, while Cedric struggled to secure a regular place in the Fulham team ahead of Kenny Tete.
With these developments, it seems Arsenal is actively assessing their squad and considering various options to reshape their team for the upcoming season. While they aim to recoup funds from player sales, the club is also mindful of accommodating players who seek more regular playing opportunities.