The five clubs who want to sign Arsenal goal machine

Suraj Radia

• 11 Apr 2023 13:42 BST
• 2 min read

Arsenal could face a fight to keep hold of one of their brightest prospects after major European sides registered an interest in signing Folarin Balogun this summer.

Balogun has been a revelation while on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims this season, netting 18 goals in 29 games and attracting admirers in AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old is entering into the final two years of his contract at Arsenal and, while he would like to stay at the club, Balogun is only willing to consider being a first-choice striker, something which he may not achieve at the Emirates.

FIGHT: Balogun set for clash over Arsenal future

Balogun is also not considering going out on loan for a third successive season, having spent the second half of the last campaign at Middlesbrough, and his unwillingness to sign a new deal means that Arsenal could choose to cash in on their academy graduate.

The Gunners look set to continue with Gabriel Jesus leading the line after the Brazilian scored against Liverpool with his third goal in two matches since returning from injury.

With backup striker Eddie Nketiah still having four years left on his contract, Arsenal may take advantage of Balogun’s prolific season and the subsequent interest in him.

Balogun may leave to raise funds for Arsenal

Balogun has been with Arsenal since the age of eight and is among the top scorers in France this season, with Reims sitting 8th in the table.

According to the Athletic, Balogun is still on good terms with the club and would like nothing more to achieve his ambitions with his boyhood side but the England under-21 international is attracted by the prospect of testing himself in a new environment as a leading striker.

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Arsenal may choose to sell Balogun in order to raise funds this summer as they look to press on from a successful campaign which could see them end up as Premier League champions.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen in midfield, with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo considered top targets, meaning the likes of Balogun could be sold on to afford such deals.