"To be honest..." - Folarin Balogun breaks his silence on Arsenal future amid Inter Milan reports

Folarin Balogun has broken his silence on his Arsenal future amid speculation of interest from Inter.

According to Sky Sports, Inter are exploring a deal for £50million-rated Arsenal forward Balogun, after dropping their interest in Chelsea attacker Romelu Lukaku.

The publication claims that Inter see the 22-year-old as one for the future, though no formal offer has been made.

Balogun has made clear his desire for a regular starting role next term, after an impressive season on loan with Ligue 1 side Reims, where he netted some 22 times in 39 games across all competitions.

Of course, establishing himself at Inter would not be an easy proposition, given Simone Inzaghi boasts a squad that already includes Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa and summer signing Marcus Thuram.

However, according to CBS, Arsenal are unlikely to rush to a conclusion on Balogun's future, with the player also admired by Brighton, Crystal Palace and West Ham.

Drawing one of those sides into negotiations would help drive the US international's price.

Balogun breaks silence on future

Balogun insisted he was focused on Arsenal's pre-season tour of the US, adding that his family and agent were dealing with his future.

Speaking via 90min reporter Lizzy Becherano, Balogun said: "To be honest I was away for the year so I'm just back.

"Obviously I'm just focused on pre-season with the team. It's nice to see everyone, all the staff

"But I'm just focused here [on pre-season] and my agent and family are dealing with [my future]."

Balogun stoically added as per Football.London: “I think with me coming back it's not really much of a situation where I think I can need to try extra hard to prove something. I think it's a decision that's not really with me. Whatever happens I'm cool with it.”

Meanwhile, when asked about Balogun's future, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said via CBS: "It's great because he's done incredibly well. Now we have to think about what is best to do.

"We want to see him, we want to experience him in the next few games, he played the last game against Nuremberg and [he'll do] so again in the next few games, then we'll make the best decision."

Topics: Football, Transfers, Arsenal, Premier League, Inter Milan

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.