Arsenal slap £35m price tag on striker Folarin Balogun with Premier League rivals keen on transfer after impressive loan

ARSENAL have slapped a £35million asking price on USA striker Folarin Balogun — to spike the guns of RB Leipzig.

The Germans were thought to be keen on the former England Under-21 star but are now looking at alternatives.

Gunners ace Balogun also has fans in the Prem, with Crystal Palace keen.

But the price-tag is too high even after a  stunning campaign in France with Reims.

Italian giants AC Milan and Inter are amongst the other big admirers of the 21-year-old.

And his valuation can only have been helped by instantly adapting to full international level after switching allegiance to the USA in May.

The New York-born starlet netted in just his second game for the USA.

Balogun has given away little about his hopes for next season - except to rule out another temporary exit.

He'd face a tough task at the Emirates to oust main hitman Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who was such a successful stand-in for much of last season.

And the Gunners are believed to be close to agreeing terms over a £65m deal for Chelsea frontman Kai Havertz.

Balogun said while on international duty with the US this month: "What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again.

"I'm not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen.

"But I'm just committed to now, I try to stay present.”

Meanwhile, Palace will let forward JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA go to Italian side Genoa — but want a £15m sale rather than a loan.