Arsenal sent ‘can’t go back’ warning over Balogun

Robin Bairner

• 15 Apr 2023 09:08 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have been sent a warning over the future of striker Folarin Balogun, who is in the midst of a successful loan spell in Ligue 1 with Reims.

Balogun moved to the Champagne club last summer and has exceeded all expectations in France by scoring 18 Ligue 1 goals, pushing him towards the top of the scoring charts.

The 21-year-old has seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) leap to just short of €20 million thanks to this explosive form, yet there are doubts over what his future holds at the Emirates Stadium.

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Indeed, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been warned that he could lose the player should he fail to offer guarantees of first-team football next season.

Speaking in L’Equipe, an unnamed relative states: “His goal is to confirm his form and continue to progress. For that, he must play, score goals and build himself as a top striker. He cannot return to the bench at Arsenal.”

Balogun recently told the Arsenal official website: “My dream is to play in the first team.”

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Will Arsenal sell Balogun?

FootballTransfers’ understanding of the situation is that Arsenal have no intention of accepting any transfer bids for Balogun unless they are at an exorbitant price.

Arteta remains a big fan of the player and sees the Hale End graduate as a future member of his first-team squad in support to Gabriel Jesus in the centre-forward role.

Nevertheless, there is significant interest from other Ligue 1 clubs, with Monaco, Lille and Marseille, who Arsenal have built a close relationship with in recent seasons, also interested in the player.

If Balogun is to depart, though, it appears unlikely he will remain in France. Napoli, Milan and Inter are all interested in the striker, while RB Leipzig’s sporting director was on hand to watch Reims’ 1-1 draw with Brest last Sunday, hinting Arsenal could field a bid from the Bundesliga side.