Perry Groves thinks Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will ‘sell’ striker Folarin Balogun this summer amid interest from Serie A clubs, but he doesn’t think he is worth ‘£50 million’.
The former Arsenal player compared the Hale-End star to Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is Manchester United-bound, and how the latter is probably better – Erik ten Hag’s men are set to sign the 20-year-old for £72 million, according to Sky Sports.
Last season, Folarin Balogun netted 21 goals for Stade de Reims in France, but Groves questioned that given the quality of Ligue 1 and how is a lower level than Italian football, as he told talkSPORT.
Back in 2019, Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe from Lille after his strong goalscoring performances in France. He was the club’s record signing.
But the Ivory Coast star, who wasn’t part of the club’s pre-season tour of America this summer, struggled big time.
Pepe’s time at Arsenal is now at an end, as Groves used him as an example of how Balogun’s performances last season shouldn’t be overhyped.
“Nketiah did really well when Jesus was injured,” said Groves. “He came in, scored a few goals and his hold-up play was excellent. He probably needs to be a bit more clinical.
“Kai Havertz has signed, so he can play as a false nine. Trossard can play as a false nine. Martinelli can play through the middle as well.
“I think they will sell Balogun. Asking £50 million, I think it’s a little on the steep side. He scored 22 goals in Ligue 1, but how good is that league to judge a centre-forward or someone who scores goals?
“Nicolas Pepe came from Lille and he had scored 22 in his last season before he came to Arsenal. It’s very difficult to judge, what you said about Hojlund for Atalanta. Historically, Italian football is a little bit more defensive and more difficult to score goals in Serie A.
“Comparing those, you would say that Hojlund has a better track record at scoring goals in Serie A because he got ten, didn’t he?! I think £25-30 million is the right price for Balogun.”
Is Balogun heading to Serie A?
After tasting first-team football, it’s understandable if Balogun wants more of the action ahead of the forthcoming campaign and he won’t get that at Arsenal because of who is ahead of him.
But there are interested parties knocking on his door, Fabrizio Romano dropped an update on Inter and Balogun recently.
Whilst they aren’t the only club in Milan looking at his talents, AC Milan are also exploring, so there is every chance that Balogun plays in the San Siro next season, it’s just a case of for who.
The post 'Rasmus Hojlund has a better track record': Perry Groves questions Arsenal transfer rumour appeared first on HITC.
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