Transfer Talk: Balogun keen to ditch Arsenal for Chelsea

In-demand striker Folarin Balogun is reportedly willing to leave Arsenal for London rivals Chelsea.

The 22-year-old striker scored 22 goals on loan at Reims last season but does not appear to be in Gunners boss Mikel Arteta's plans for the current campaign.

A report in the Mirror indicates the Hale End graduate would have no problems making the move across the capital to Stamford Bridge.

Mauricio Pochettino's free-spending Blues are keen to add another striker to their ranks before the window closes and have sounded out the possibility of poaching the starlet.

Arsenal are demanding a hefty £50million for the goalscorer, a figure Chelsea are said to be a long way off matching at this point.

Fulham and Monaco have also been linked but it is unlikely either will be able to provide that fee, which could force the North Londoners to compromise.

With Arsenal eager to offload Balogun while his stock is high this summer in order to balance the books, they could well lower their asking price to £40m.

In other news

West Ham have had a second bid of £35.8m for Mohammed Kudus rejected by Ajax, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

ESPN say Fluminense have turned down a £25.6m approach from Liverpool for Brazilian midfielder Andre, 22.

Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho has emerged as a top target for Crystal Palace, according to Leicestershire Live.