Folarin Balogun issues conditions for Arsenal stay
Folarin Balogun, an Arsenal loanee, is said to be willing to return to the club next season only if he is guaranteed first-team playing time. Balogun has been with the North London club since he was eight years old, and he has worked his way through the youth ranks to make his senior debut in October 2020.
However, the England Under-21 international has only made 10 first-team appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Arsenal sent the striker on a season-long loan to French side Reims in order to help him develop, and it has proven to be a successful move for him.
Balogun has scored 18 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances this season, which is more than any other player in the league except for three.
Balogun is now in a position to demand more playing time, and he is unlikely to return to Arsenal if he is not guaranteed a regular spot in the starting lineup.
The Gunners have a number of other strikers, including Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who are currently ahead of Balogun in the pecking order.
However, Balogun’s impressive form on loan could force Arsenal to give him more opportunities next season.
Yes, Balogun has been in excellent form for Reims this season, scoring 18 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances. He has also scored three goals in his last four appearances, including a stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Brest.
Balogun’s impressive form will give Arsenal a difficult decision to make when he returns in the summer. They could either offer him a chance to compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a starting spot, or they could look to cash in on him while his value is high.
According to Football Insider, Balogun is only interested in staying with Arsenal next season if he receives assurances about regular playing time. It will be interesting to see what decision Arsenal make, but Balogun is certainly a player who has a bright future ahead of him.
It is understandable that Arsenal would want to retain Balogun’s services. He is a young, talented striker who has shown that he can score goals at a high level. He is also under contract until 2025, so Arsenal have some time to negotiate a new deal with him.
It will be interesting to see what Balogun decides to do. He will want to play regular first-team football, and it is not clear if he will be able to get that at Arsenal. If he does not, he may decide to move on in search of more opportunities.
Regardless of what Balogun decides, he is a player to watch in the future. He has all the potential to be a top striker, and it will be exciting to see how he develops in the years to come.
Folarin Balogun issues conditions for Arsenal stay