Folarin Balogun transfer news odds: Chelsea trail London rivals in race for Arsenal star, Leipzig 9/1

FOLARIN BALOGUN'S Arsenal future remains up in the air following a successful loan spell in France last year.

But despite the increased speculation that surrounds the striker, he remains most likely to STAY at the Emirates ahead of the new campaign.

That's the view of bookmakers Ladbrokes, who make it 2/1 that he continues at the North London club.

Despite 21 goals and three assists in 37 Ligue 1 games with Reims last season, Balogun remains behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the Gunners' pecking order.

Add to that the signing of Kai Havertz who can also operate in that position, Balogun could find game time hard to come by.

Balogun is understood to not want another temporary move away from the club this summer.

The American is with his Arsenal team mates for pre season, having been granted extra leave following his involvement with the US international side at the end of last season.

He has two years left on his current Arsenal contract, too.

Whether he continues to see out that contract remains to be seen, with THREE London rivals all rumoured to be circling for his signature, with reports suggesting a £35million price tag has been placed on him.

West Ham are the most likely of the chasing sides to sign the 22-year-old and are 5/1 with Ladbrokes to do so.

Chelsea come next at 7/1 following reports that the player's agent had held talks with the Blues surrounding a move.

Leipzig are looking to replace Chelsea-bound Christoper Nkunku and have been strongly linked with a move in the German media. They're 9/1 to make a move.

Crystal Palace are the third London side in the mix at 10/1, just ahead of Milan and Inter (both 12/1) and Brighton (14/1) who are gearing up for European football.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Arsenal's loss could be a huge local rival's gain if the latest odds are anything to go by, with Folarin Balogun seemingly set for an Emirates exit this summer."

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