Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has confirmed his club is interested in Folarin Balogun, adding that the Arsenal man isn’t the only striker on the club’s list.
“We are looking for someone who can score goals,” Ausilio told Sport Mediaset on Tuesday.
When asked about Balogun, Ausilio replied: “He is one of the opportunities, but not the only one we are tracking.”
One name Ausilio was ready to rule out is Romelu Lukaku, who played for Inter last season on loan from Chelsea. Inter was reportedly interested in bringing Lukaku back this season but ended its pursuit upon learning he had been in talks with rival Juventus.
“I’m not interested,” Ausilio said when quizzed on the Belgian.
Inter has been widely reported to have an interest in U.S. national team striker Balogun, who scored 21 Ligue 1 goals on loan at Reims last season.
Monaco is aiming to bring Balogun back to Ligue 1 this season, with Arsenal turning down a bid from the principality side this week, according to ESPN. The Gunners reportedly value Balogun at around €58 million.
Balogun has said if he leaves Arsenal, he would prefer a permanent move ahead of another loan. Despite his standout loan campaign last season, the 22-year-old appears to be behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah on the club’s striker depth chart.
The striker was not in the squad for Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City as he continues to battle a foot injury.
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