Man Utd ‘make decision’ on signing Folarin Balogun after Ian Wright verdict

Manchester United looked at launching an audacious move to sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to reports. Erik ten Hag is eyeing a new goalscorer as his third signing before the season starts, and Balogun featured on his shortlist amid talk of a Gunners exit.

However, according to The Independent, the 22-year-old joining United this summer isn’t viewed as a realistic possibility.

If he leaves the Emirates Stadium, switching to Serie A giants AC Milan or Inter Milan rather than a Premier League rival is considered far more likely.

United are instead advancing talks to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund after verbally offering a deal worth £51million this week.

But the report adds that Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani remains an option if Ten Hag misses out on Hojlund.

Balogun’s stock soared on loan at Stade Reims last season, scoring 22 goals in 39 games in all competitions.

Arsenal will allegedly demand £50m to part ways with the USMNT star this summer, but suitors are bound to attempt to negotiate that valuation down.

Gunners icon Ian Wright will be desperate to see Balogun deliver on his potential in north London after backing him to continue his scintillating form in France in the Premier League.

In March, he told the Wrighty’s House podcast: “Hopefully, he can come back to Arsenal at some stage and prove himself.

“He’s gone to another level in confidence. I think anywhere he goes in aspect of leagues, he’ll do what he is doing [in France] with the right service.