21 February 2023 , 17:56
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Reims' president believes Folarin Balogun could be transferred to a "very big club" after enjoying a prolific season with the French side.
The England U21 international, 21, has scored 15 goals in 23 Ligue 1 games since joining Reims on a season-long loan from Arsenal. He is the joint-leading scorer in Ligue 1 alongside Lille talent Jonathan David and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Balogun will need to make a decision on his future at the end of the season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who usually deploys just one centre-forward, already has two senior strikers on his roster in first-choice star Gabriel Jesus and back-up Eddie Nketiah.
As such, it could be difficult for Balogun to break into Arsenal's starting XI next term, despite his superb form in France. Reims' president Jean-Pierre Caillot is hoping the Gunners will allow Balogun to spend another season on loan at his club.
Caillot has dismissed the possibility of signing Balogun on a permanent basis due to their financial resources and recruitment model. If the striker decides against re-joining Reims and is not wanted by Arsenal, Caillot believes he will secure a move to a big club.
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“I think [signing him] is impossible," Caillot told France Bleu. "The rules of the game are clear: these are boys that, when they join us, know that they’re here to improve and that it’s a step for them. So even if I’m not deciding for him, either Folarin will return to his club to have his chance, he’s loaned out, or transferred to a very big club."
Folarin Balogun has scored as many Ligue 1 goals as Kylian Mbappe this season (AFP via Getty Images)Do you think Folarin Balogun will leave Arsenal in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
Caillot added: "He is a player that should go even higher. So obviously we’ll ask him if he feels good here, and at his club, but I think that now, he will need to take a step up."
Balogun has been on Arsenal's books for 15 years after graduating from their academy. He has played 10 games for the Gunners and failed to make an impression during a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season - scoring three goals in 18 Championship appearances.
Balogun will enter the final two years of his existing deal in the summer and Arsenal may be reluctant to send him out on loan again without extending his contract. If they do decide to sell the striker, a number of clubs across Europe will be interested in him.
Alternatively, Arsenal could decide to sell either Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah to make room for Balogun. Jesus has scored just five goals for the Gunners since his summer move from Manchester City, while Nketiah has managed four in the league this term.
As Caillot suggests, everything is on the table when it comes to Balogun's future.
Caillot and Reims are already preparing for life without the Englishman. He added: "We are already working on life after Balogun, the day when he will leave our club. But if he and the club are open to another year at Reims, we’ll do everything to make it happen."