Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun’s breakout campaign on loan at Reims has not gone unnoticed. The England youth international has already reached 18 goals this season for the Champagne side, who are five points off a spot in European competition after an impressive revival under rookie manager Will Still.
However, the loan deal does not include a permanent option, meaning Balogun will return to North London this summer. But, as source close to the forward told L’Équipe, he is not prepared to sit on the Gunners’ bench. Given the wealth of talent at Mikel Arteta’s disposal in terms of forward options, it appears highly unlikely that the potential American international would be able to command a starting spot in the near future. With his contract set to run until 2025, the current Premier League leaders would be open to selling him for at least €30m.
In terms of potential destinations, all of Marseille, Monaco and Lille will be looking to keep Balogun in Ligue 1, although his high valuation could make that unlikely, add L’Équipe. There is also interest from the other side of the Alps, namely from Napoli, Inter and AC Milan, while RB Leipzig are also keeping an eye on the goalscorer. The 21-year-old, in any case, wants to be starting for a club that plays in Europe. Reims, meanwhile, will be looking to replace his goal output by bringing in two young forwards.
