Liverpool, VfB Stuttgart Plotting Audacious Swoop For Arsenal's Nigerian Whizkid

A number of Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are monitoring the situation of New York-born striker of Nigerian descent Folarin Balogun with a view to a transfer in the summer transfer window.

According to the Athletic, Liverpool are planning an audacious swoop to sign the England U20 international on a free transfer but face competition from VfB Stuttgart.

Arsenal have offered Balogun a new deal but the negotiations are at a standstill as he fears he would not get playing opportunities if he extends his stay with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel  Martinelli ahead of him in Mikel Arteta's pecking order of strikers.

He has made five first team appearances with three goals involvement having joined the Gunners since he was eight years.

Sporting director of VfB Stuttgart, Sven Mislintat knows Balogun very well as he was the head of scouting at Arsenal until February 2019.

Arsenal rejected a bid from Sheffield United for Balogun in the summer and Brentford were also priced out of a move in the January transfer window.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel