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Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has disclosed that former Arsenal teammate Alexandre Lacazette influenced his move to Reims.
THE LOWDOWN: ENJOYING NEW HOME
Balogun opted to move to the French Ligue 1 during the summer in search of playing time after playing second fiddle to Eddi Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette in the previous season. The Arsenal youngster, who has been tipped to be a future star at the Emirates, has since taken life in France by storm.
Balogun has scored five goals, made one assist, and won two penalties in just six appearances for Reims this campaign. With his performances, the youngster is currently joint-third in the Ligue 1 top scorer list this season, even ahead of Lacazette who advised him to move to France.
THE LATEST: THANKS EX-TEAMMATE
Following his stunning start to life in France, Folarin Balogun has decided to sing the praise of former teammate and Lyon captain Alexandre Lacazette for advising him to leave his comfort zone and move to Ligue 1.
While speaking to the media about his former teammate, Balogun was full of praise for Lacazette for his influence on him in training, adding that the former Gunner played a part in his move to Reims.
“He’s a great player,” Balogun said. “He always helped me when I was at Arsenal, he tried to help me progress. He gave me advice.
“I remember talking to him, he was telling me to come to Ligue 1. He was like, ‘Go ahead, you’re going to prove yourself there. Maybe he should become an agent because he has a good knowledge of football.”
THE VERDICT: MORE TO COME
The move from England to France took Balogun off the spotlight and away from his comfort zone for the very first time. He has since grabbed the opportunity with both hands with his stunning performances.
Manager Mikel Arteta stressed that he is the future of the club and there is no doubt that he could make a swift return to the Emirates to begin his second journey. Meanwhile, loan moves like this are good for the player’s development as they will prepare the player for the future ahead.
Balogun should keep working and if the loan continues to go according to plan, Lacazette will get more praise for sure.
