Premier League giants Arsenal are close to finalising the departures of not one, but two high-profile members of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
First up comes Kieran Tierney.
Left-back Tierney has of course been hotly tipped for an exit across the summer to date, amid intense competition for places at the back in north London.
It was understood that the long-term injury suffered by recent recruit Jurrien Timber had forced the Emirates brass into a rethink over the Scot’s potential exit, but a definitive decision, it would appear, has now been made.
As per a report from transfer expert David Ornstein of The Athletic:
‘Real Sociedad are close to reaching an agreement with Arsenal for the signing of Kieran Tierney on a season-long loan.’
However, Sociedad are expected to fork over a loan fee, as well as cover Tierney’s wages in full for the season ahead.
This comes after Mikel Arteta and co. opted to grant the former Celtic standout’s wish to move on in search of regular first-team football.
🚨 Real Sociedad close to agreement with Arsenal to sign Kieran Tierney on loan. No buy option but #AFC get fee + full wages paid. If all goes to plan left-back will travel for medical over weekend. 26yo wanted #Sociedad (regular games + CL) @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/itHQmTXQEP
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 24, 2023
Tierney, though, is not the only player inching towards the Arsenal exit door.
Set to follow the stopper out ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut next week will be teammate Folarin Balogun.
Hitman Balogun has too seen his name cast into the spotlight over recent months, after a starring loan stint in France with Stade de Reims.
Still behind both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the centre-forward pecking order on the red half of north London, though, the 22-year-old was earmarked as a key target on the part of a whole host of clubs from across the continent.
And, on Thursday, one such club have taken a major step towards winning the race for his signature.
As revealed in a 2nd report courtesy of the aforementioned David Ornstein:
‘Monaco are close to reaching an agreement with Arsenal for the signing of Folarin Balogun.’
Unlike in the case of Tierney, Balogun’s departure will come on a permanent basis, after the powers that be at Ligue 1 giants Monaco agreed to up their bid for the United States international.
A ‘final price’ is still being decided on between the two clubs, but Balogun’s return to France is now considered all but imminent.
🚨 AS Monaco close to reaching agreement with Arsenal to sign striker Folarin Balogun. Clubs still negotiating final price but 22yo USA international is now on course to join #ASMonaco from #AFC in permanent deal @TheAthleticFC after @FabriceHawkins #USMNT https://t.co/QR1JAnDdA5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 24, 2023
