As reported by Bild, RB Leipzig could turn to Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun if their pursuit of Loïs Openda proves unsuccessful.
With Die Roten Bullen having a fourth bid of €43.5m rejected by RC Lens – after Leipzig’s sporting director Max Eberl travelled to France to negotiate a deal – the Saxons will be looking for an alternative to the Belgian striker. Balogun was once the primary target for Leipzig, however, he had been written off due to his €40m valuation.
Nevertheless, Eberl and Leipzig now feel as though the two-time USMNT player will be cheaper than Openda. As well as this, they both offer a similar profile that Leipzig are looking for with both strikers possessing natural speed and phenomenal technical abilities.
Last season, Balogun featured 39 times while on loan at Stade Reims where he scored 22 goals and collected three assists. His remarkable form would attract the interest of many top European clubs, meaning that Leipzig will have to fight for his signature.
It will be frustrating for Die Roten Bullen to walk away from the Openda deal after personal terms with the 23-year-old had already been agreed. Regardless, the door is not completely shut, but an agreement with Lens is becoming significantly unlikely.
GGFN | Will Shopland
