What should Arsenal do with Folarin Balogun, and what should Folarin Balogun do with Arsenal? Those questions become more and more intense with every passing week in which the 21-year-old striker continues to impress on loan at Frech side Reims. The youngster has already scored 18 goals for the Ligue 1 club as his parent club Arsenal continue to move closer to Premier League glory. He blossomed this season thanks to the role of the first-choice attacker – something he never had at Arsenal – and something he’d probably never get while Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are still at the Emirates Stadium.Balogun wants to continue operating as a first-choice striker and would like nothing more than to do so with Arsenal, whom he joined as an eight-year-boy. But given the seniority and contractual lengths of Jesus and Nketiah (both until 2027), he is unlikely to earn a regular first-team footballer in north London next season.##NAJAVA_MECA_7173546##He is also opposed to the idea of a third temporary switch, having moved to Middlesbrough for the second half of 2021/22 before embarking on a successful full campaign with Reims.The son of Nigerian parents is nearing the last two years of the deal he signed in 2021 and does not plan to extend those terms, which does not reflect his feelings towards Arsenal but rather the situation. It is a stance influenced by the fact that major European sides – including AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig – are in pursuit, and they can offer a starting berth. Balogun is attracted by such opportunities as he ponders the next step in his career, with the chance to test himself in a new environment feeling exciting.🚨 Folarin Balogun is nearing the last two years of the deal he signed in 2021 & does NOT plan to extend those terms, which is no reflection of his feelings towards Arsenal but rather the situation. It is a stance influenced by the fact that major European sides – including AC… pic.twitter.com/jSTs6sQCPa— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 10, 2023 It means Arsenal must decide whether to sanction a sale or allow Balogun, representing England and the United States youth sides, to enter his final 24 months at the Emirates Stadium.
