Balogun’s Arsenal future uncertain

Folarin Balogun faces uncertain future, which isn’t likely to be resolved until the summer, as he told ligue1.com journalist Matt Spiro.

The 21-year-old striker left Arsenal to join Stade Reims on loan for the season, and he has done very well in France, scoring 18 goals in 29 games in all competitions so far. The loan is obviously doing what it was intended to do – help him develop through regular game time, but given the way things have been going in his absence in North London, he isn’t likely to find the situation much different when he returns to the parent club. With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both doing their part in the Gunners’ charge towards the Premier League title, Balogun is likely to remain behind them in the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.

Jesus arrived last summer from Manchester City as a marquee signing and his position at Arsenal is under no threat whatsoever, but it’s very likely that the club will be open to letting either Nketiah or Balogun leave for the right price.

Interesting on his future – ‘not closing any doors’, sounded like he’d seriously consider a top French team if there’s an offer. Personally would love to see him at Arsenal, but reckon he’d be reluctant to return as bit-part player… and can Arteta offer more than that?

— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) March 25, 2023