Monaco have reportedly retained interest in Arsenal's Folarin Balogun despite having an initial bid rejected.
The USA international had a sensational campaign on loan with fellow Ligue 1 club Reims last season, scoring 21 league goals during 2022-23.
Balogun scored the winner against Monaco in Reims' 1-0 success at the Stade Louis II back in March.
It would ultimately be one of a number of costly results for Monaco, who missed out on European qualification - finishing down in sixth.
However, the club look set to strengthen, especially after receiving a hefty fee from Chelsea for defender Axel Disasi.
The Daily Mail claims that Monaco will come in with another bid for Balogun, after their first fell below Arsenal's £50m valuation.
© Reuters
Only Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette, Jonathan David netted more goals in the French top flight last season, but Balogun may still find it tough to break into Arsenal's first team.
The 22-year-old is currently out injured, but would be battling against Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah, who scored on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest.
Balogun still has two years left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, but with such intense competition and the player's desire to play first-team football, Arsenal may opt to sell while his stock is still high.
The American striker has made just two Premier League appearances in his Arsenal career - both coming in the 2021-22 season.
However, that may not stop Arsenal's bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur from making a move for the player.
The report also states that Spurs could join the race for Balogun after the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich over the weekend.
Richarlison was used as a central striker in their draw with Brentford on Sunday, and Heung-min Son also has history of playing in that position, but with the funds raised from the Kane sale, another option could be brought in.
