Gunners

If Balogun is willing to battle for his place, I wouldn't.

He's got a lot of natural ability, a good feel for the game, and the right athleticism. He'll be worth more if he's given the chance to contribute. (This is a case where I'd much rather see him loaned out again if management doesn't see him at least being able to work his way past Eddie.)

I say this as someone who was fine with us selling Willock, Iwobi, and the Ox. All talented players, but not ones I saw being able to carry us over the top.

If Balogun wants promises we can't make, I'd say push for a lower fee but include that buy-back clause.

And, if we find ourselves in a scenario where a buy-back isn't a possibility, then take the 40m. I still think that's too low for him but we're still at a phase in our team development arc where team cohesion is too important and fragile to not be affected by a disgruntled player. (Although maybe I'm just scarred from our not-so-distant experiences with that!)