Mikel Arteta responds to Folarin Balogun's scoring exploits and clarifies future

10 February 2023 , 18:02

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Mikel Arteta responds to Folarin Balogun's scoring exploits and clarifies future

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready to "plan the next chapter" of Folarin Balogun's blossoming career at the conclusion of his eye-catching stint in France.

Balogun, 21, was tipped for greatness throughout his rise in the Gunners' academy ranks, but he has exceeded expectations during his season-long loan at Reims. The striker has netted 14 goals in 21 Ligue 1 appearances for the mid-table side, making him the division's top scorer above the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Despite Balogun's brilliant form on the other side of the English Channel, reports earlier this week claimed Arsenal were yet to make a decision on his future. Arteta did not state whether there is a spot in his squad for the England Under-21 international next season when quizzed about him on Friday, but confirmed talks will be held this summer.

"The plan is that he finishes his period there, assess the situation where he is, where we are, then sit down and plan the next chapter in his developing career," the Gunners boss said of Balogun. Arteta also opened up on how happy he is to see the New York City-born forward impressing at Reims.

"[I am] So happy for him," the Spaniard added. "He's a boy with a really clear idea of what he wants to do in his career, really ambitious, really committed and he's really brave. We discussed before whether it was the right place to go and other choices that he had. He was so convinced and I'm really happy for him because he deserves what he's getting.

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Folarin Balogun has scored more goals than anyone else in Ligue 1 this season (Getty Images)

"He's got something special. That's why we gave him a long-term contract and have faith in him, and give him the long period that he's having now, because the period he's having now is different to the one before at Middlesbrough."

Balogun, who joined Arsenal aged eight, signed a four-year contract at Emirates Stadium in April 2021 and has two goals in 10 senior appearances for the club. He spent the second half of last season at Middlesbrough and managed just three goals in 18 Championship appearances, but Arteta insists the move to the Riverside Stadium was the right one.

Folarin Balogun struggled while on loan at Middlesbrough during the second half of last season (Getty Images)

"That was very necessary to see the outcome that he's having now," Arteta said of Balogun's move to Boro. "He had some scars from that period. There were moments when he suffered, moments where he played, moments where he didn't play, moments where he played but he believed he wasn't in his best position.

"It's a proper experience to add to the next one. That's what he did, put that behind him but using what worked for him, what didn't work for him, look in the mirror and go to the next one."

Reims host relegation-threatened Troyes in Ligue 1 on Sunday, one day after Arsenal welcome Brentford to the Emirates.

Freddie Keighley