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Manchester United 'briefly considered Folarin Balogun move'

Man United 'briefly considered Folarin Balogun move'
© Reuters
Manchester United reportedly contemplated making an approach for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun earlier in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United reportedly contemplated a move for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun earlier this summer.

Since the end of last season, it has been well documented that Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new striker after their issues in that area of the pitch during 2022-23.

Although the Dutchman has insisted that he wants to retain the services of Anthony Martial, loanee Wout Weghorst has returned to parent club Burnley.

As it stands, Marcus Rashford is regarded as the senior option down the centre of the attack with Martial acting as competition, but that is expected to change sooner rather than later.

Reports have indicated that United have settled on trying to get a deal over the line for Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund, who is said to want to complete a move to Old Trafford.

Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on February 11, 2023© Reuters

On Friday, it was claimed that United are 'advancing' on a transfer, with acquiring the Denmark international's services for €70m (£60.1m) plus bonuses seemingly being a possibility.

However, according to The Independent, United were at one stage toying with the idea of making contact with Arsenal regarding Balogun.

Despite his exploits on loan at Reims, it has been widely documented that the forward has been put up for sale by the Gunners and the 22-year-old is not interested in a loan exit.

The North Londoners are now awaiting realistic offers for the United States international, who they allegedly value in the region of £50m.

Folarin Balogun warms up for Arsenal in December 2021© Reuters

Whether generating such a fee for a player who has only made 10 appearances for the first team remains to be seen, yet it is alleged that United were pessimistic over successfully negotiating a deal with their counterparts at the Emirates Stadium.

United are said to have quickly moved onto other targets courtesy of anticipating that it would be unlikely that Arsenal would accept an offer below the aforementioned demands.

Last season's Premier League runners-up would ideally like to find a resolution as soon as possible having already spent in the region of £200m on Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

Balogun has played a total of 62 minutes in pre-season, featuring against Nurnberg and an MLS All-Stars XI respectively, but Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that he is keen to reduce the numbers in his first-team squad.

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