Balogun pushed towards Arsenal EXIT after CRYPTIC Arteta message

Cameron Smith

• 14 Jul 2023 12:36 BST
• 3 min read

Folarin Balogun’s future at Arsenal remains unclear after Mikel Arteta admitted the forward was with the club “at the moment,” but refused to offer any reassurances over his role within the Gunners squad.

Balogun, 22, spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Reims and proved himself as a reliable goal-scorer, netting 22 goals and contributing three assists in all competitions.

However, upon his return to Arsenal, there doesn’t appear to be a natural home for him in the squad.

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Gabriel Jesus was purchased from Manchester City last summer and is a vital component of Arteta’s side, Eddie Nketiah signed a new contract in 2022 and was a solid contributor as a back-up last campaign, and Kai Havertz has recently arrived from Chelsea.

While the Germany international has been touted to play a deeper role than the one he occupied at Stamford Bridge, he remains a versatile option and could see minutes through the middle.

Arteta’s cryptic response to being asked about Balogun’s future after their pre-season friendly draw against Nurnberg has added fuel to the fire that the USMNT forward could leave this summer.

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What did Arteta say?

When questioned about Balogun and whether he will have a place in the Gunners’ squad next year, Arteta replied: “Yeah. He’s staying here with us at the moment and we will see what happens.”

The “at the moment” comment has raised speculation that Balogun may not be part of the Arsenal team when the transfer window shuts in September.

AC Milan and RB Leizpig are among the teams who have expressed interest in signing Balogun this summer, while Crystal Palace are another club who are keen on the 22-year-old.

Balogun currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €20.8 million, according to FootballTransfers’ in-house algorithm, but Arsenal are expected to demand a far higher fee if they are to sanction a permanent sale in the coming weeks.