Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a move for Arsenal’s 22-year-old Folarin Balogun.

That’s according to FootballTransfers journalist Steve Kay, who claims Balogun’s representatives have contacted Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge.

Folarin Balogun’s future at Arsenal is expected to be decided after pre-season tours of Germany and the United States.

The USMNT striker bagged 21 Ligue 1 goals for Reims on loan last season and now has a price tag of £50 million according to reports.

Will get his chance in pre-season

Arsenal Journalist Charles Watts says Balogun is expected to get minutes in Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly against FC Nürnberg in 3 days time.

Watts, speaking about Balogun’s future in his podcast, said there’s still potential for the striker to stay at the Emirates if he impresses on tour.

He said the striker could give Arteta a tough decision if he excels during scheduled friendlies against the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Monaco.

Balogun himself has made life harder for Arsenal’s decision makers by stating he does not want to consider another loan move and wants regular playing time.

With 2 years left on his deal, it’s decision time for the Gunners who will need to weigh up the risk and reward of letting their young star leave.

Links to Chelsea could be particularly worrying for Arsenal fans, despite already signing one of Chelsea’s best assets themselves earlier in the summer, Kai Havertz.

Balogun has long been linked with a move to RB Leipzig to potentially fill the void left by another Chelsea signing, 25-year-old Christopher Nkunku.

It’s clear that this pre-season will be decisive in Balogun’s future and Arsenal fans will hope good performances will either inflate his price tag or propel him to compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

FTHL view

With no sign of either Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah leaving the Emirates, it’s almost definitely time for Arsenal to sell Balogun.

Arsenal should avoid a move to a rival, even for an inflated transfer fee, given Balogun is showing signs he could be a top, top striker.

A move to a club like RB Leipzig makes sense and a buy-back-clause, if agreed with Balogun, could act as a safety net for Arsenal.