Balogun tipped to stay at Arsenal and "elevate everyone" according to team-mate

07 June 2023 , 10:34

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Balogun tipped to stay at Arsenal and "elevate everyone" according to team-mate

Folarin Balogun has the talent to 'elevate" the entire Arsenal squad according to Gunners team-mate and fellow countryman Matt Turner.

Balogun has been on the books at Arsenal since he was just seven years old but has long been tipped for stardom. The 21-year-old enjoyed a sensational season last term while on loan at French outfit Reims, where he netted 21 goals in 39 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

It was a campaign in which Balogun announced himself to many who were not aware of the kind of talent he boasts. He even managed to outscore both of superstar Paris Saint-Germain duo Lionel Messi and Neymar, which in turn has raised question marks over what's next for the forward.

Arsenal forked out £45million for Gabriel Jesus just last summer, meaning the former Manchester City man is unlikely to make way for Balogun anytime soon.

However, his form last term was simply too good to ignore and as a result he is aiming for first-team football wherever he ends up.

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Gunners goalkeeper Turner wants Balogun to remain at the club and insisted that the striker, who recently switched international allegiances so that he now represents the United States of America, can force his way into Arsenal's first-team fold.

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Mikel Arteta could opt to reintegrate Folarin Balogun into the first-team fold for Arsenal next season (Getty Images)

Both Turner and Balogun have been named in a 24-man squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League finals fixtures against Mexico and one of Panama or Canada.

"I had a pre-season with him [Balogun] at Arsenal and we developed a pretty good relationship but then he left to go on loan," Turner explained. "He scored lots of goals on his loan spell and he has done really, really well.

"It’s someone to be excited about and I think that knowing his personality, he’ll fit in well with the group. Flo is a really talented player that’s going to bring a fiery edge to the group, he’s a super competitive guy and that fits in well with the people we have in this locker room already.

"Again, he’s going to be a great addition and creates more competition at that No 9 spot and when you have competition like that it elevates everyone else’s game."

Balogun has already quashed any talk of him potentially returning to Reims on a permanent basis, taking to Instagram to thank the fans for their support and bidding farewell.

Jesus is not the only competition Balogun faces, with fellow academy graduate Eddie Nketiah also vying for first-team minutes having signed a contract extension last year.

Josh O'Brien