German Bundesliga campaigners RB Leipzig have made a transfer decision about two promising young talents: Folarin Balogun and Victor Boniface, Soccernet.ng understands.
Leipzig are no longer keen on acquiring Balogun this summer because of the huge transfer fee involved.
Balogun, a 21-year-old centre-forward who is currently on loan at Stade Reims, has caught the attention of several top European clubs with his impressive performances this season.
In 33 appearances, he has scored 19 goals and provided three direct assists. However, Arsenal, his parent club, are reportedly calling for a transfer fee of at least €40 million, which Leipzig considers too expensive.
As a result, according to Sky sources (via 90min), Leipzig are distancing themselves from Balogun and looking at other alternatives, including Lois Openda, a versatile attacker under contract with RC Lens.
On the other hand, Victor Boniface, a 22-year-old striker who plays for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, has emerged as a more affordable option for Leipzig. He has had an outstanding season, scoring 20 goals and providing ten assists across 49 games in all competitions.
However, Leipzig is said to be only interested in Boniface if Yussuf Poulsen or Andre Silva, two of their top strikers, leave the club in the summer.
Leipzig's transfer decision about Balogun and Boniface is closely watched by football fans worldwide. The club, which has a reputation for developing young talents, has a history of signing promising players and allowing them to shine on the big stage.
For Balogun, who has been with Arsenal since he was eight, a move to Leipzig could be an exciting opportunity to continue his development and showcase his talent in one of Europe's top leagues.
Meanwhile, Boniface, who is reportedly also on the shopping list of AC Milan and Napoli, could see Leipzig as a stepping stone to bigger clubs in the future.
