Rumour Mills: Arsenal planning to offer Folarin Balogun plus cash for AC Milan star

By Wale Mustapha

Premier League giants, Arsenal are reportedly considering a summer bid for AC Milan and Algerian midfielder, Ismael Bennecer, with Nigerian-born forward, Folarin Balogun to be part of the makeweight for the deal.

Bennecer was a key member of Algerian national team that won 2019 African Cup of Nations, AFCON and was also named the tournament’s best player.

Balogun, who has scored 17 league goals for Reims where he is currently on loan from Arsenal was not named in England’s 24 man squad for the 2024 Euro qualifiers but was included in the U21 squad.

Bennacer is open for move away from San Siro despite renewing his contract with AC Milan in January as reported by Italian transfer market webiste, Calciomercatoweb.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has being an admirer of Bennacer and will be willing to test Milan’s resolve with a big money bid that will also include Balogun whose playing time at Emirates Stadium is not assured with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah leading the pecking order of Arsenal forward.

Balogun is open to play for Nigeria, his parent’s home following another snub by the England manager, Gareth Southgate despite his impressive form with the French Ligue 1.