**Chelsea are one of three clubs pursuing Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, according to _Foot Mercato_ reporter Santi Aouna.**
Posting on his X account, the French journalist [said](https://x.com/Santi_J_FM/status/2071965952690798633) that the Blues are “interested” in the American international.
However, they are not the only team eyeing a move for Balogun, with Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain also said to be keen on securing his services.
Spurs reportedly deem him a “priority” target, while PSG need a replacement for Goncalo Ramos, who will be joining AC Milan.
Why is Balogun in such high demand?
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The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract at Monaco, and the Ligue One side are open to selling the forward before the summer transfer window closes.
Balogun had a decent season for his club, scoring 19 times in all competitions, but his exploits at the World Cup have increased the level of interest, having scored a brace in the USA’s opening group match against Paraguay last month.
There will, however, be some concern that Monaco will increase his asking price off the back of a good international tournament, so Chelsea will be wary about overpaying.
Chelsea are now pursuing two former Arsenal players
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Balogun joined Monaco from Arsenal for €30m in the summer of 2023. Although he was born in New York, he grew up in London, coming through the Gunners’ academy before making his senior debut against Dundalk FC in the Europa League back in October 2020.
The American scored 2 goals in his 10 appearances for the Gunners across three seasons, having also spent six months on loan at Middlesbrough in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, and a year with Stade de Reims.
It should be pointed out as well that Chelsea’s North London rivals have a 17.5% sell-on clause, which may lead to Monaco demanding more money.
Balogun is, of course, not the only former Arsenal player that the Blues want, with Xabi Alonso’s side still determined to snap up [**Granit Xhaka**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-granit-xhaka/) from Sunderland.