Arsenal transfer news: Noah Okafor is linked with the Gunners (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal have registered their interest in signing Red Bull Salzburg striker Noah Okafor, according to reports. His potential signing would throw doubt over the long-term future of Folarin Balogun.
Balogun is currently on loan at French side Reims and has been tearing it up in Ligue 1. He has 17 goals in 27 league appearances this season.
However, a taste of regular first-team football may leave him wanting more in the summer. The 21-year-old would likely return to the Emirates as third-choice striker behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
The Mail claims Arsenal are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing Okafor. London rivals Tottenham and West Ham are also both named as keeping an eye on the 22-year-old.
Okafor is a Switzerland international who joined Salzburg from Basel in 2020. He has scored 34 goals in 108 appearances for the Austrian side, registering 23 assists.
He hit double figures for the first time in his career last season and has repeated that feat again this term. Okafor scored three goals in the Champions League group stage earlier this season, including in Salzburg's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
His contract at Salzburg expires at the end of next season, meaning they may have to cash in this summer. Inter Milan and AC Milan are also interested in the player alongside the three London clubs.
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Arsenal transfer news: Folarin Balogun has impressed on loan at Reims this season (Image: GETTY)
Okafor is valued at around £25million. Arsenal would likely bring in a larger fee for Balogun if they were to sell this summer.
Both Inter and Milan are among the teams reportedly interested in the England under-21 striker. Arsenal would be well-stocked in attacking areas if they kept Balogun and signed Okafor, with Leandro Trossard also able to play up front.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Balogun said he will talk to Arteta in the summer about where his future lies. He said: "I'm sure we'll speak at the end of the season and we'll have a lot of things to discuss.
"There's discussions that need to take place and it's not a decision that will only be with me. The club will let me know their point of view and I'm sure we'll come to an agreement."
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