Date: 9th February 2023 at 9:29am
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Arsenal could make a shocking decision on in-form forward Folarin Balogun in the summer, according to a report.

THE LOWDOWN: MAN ON FIRE

Folarin Balogun has been a prominent name during a season-long loan at Stade de Reims. He has continued to deliver top-notch performances for the Ligue 1 side.

The 21-year-old recently made the headlines when he scored a stoppage-time equaliser for his side at PSG before following that feat up with his first senior hat-trick. It has taken him to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

THE LATEST: SHOCK DECISION

After flourishing in France, Balogun’s impressive form has certainly caught the attention of Arsenal fans in recent weeks. However, it has now emerged that Balogun’s long-term future at the Emirates is in huge doubt.

According to a fresh report from The Sun, Reims boss Will Still has been pleased with Balogun’s performances that the French outfit reached out to Arsenal in regards to a permanent deal in last month’s transfer window.

And while that offer was rejected by the Gunners, it is claimed that Mikel Arteta is yet to make a decision on the England U21 international.

The Academy graduate has 18 months left on his current deal – and the summer transfer window looks like the best time to get a significant sum for the striker if he is unlikely to feature in Arteta’s first-team plans.

Alternatively, the Premier League leaders could offer Balogun fresh terms in a bid to keep him at the club beyond the summer of 2024.

THE VERDICT: A DECISION HAS TO BE MADE

Balogun has done well to prove himself in France, but competition for a striking berth at Arsenal next season would be high if Balogun is kept.

Gabriel Jesus was acquired in the summer and Eddie Nketiah has also impressed while deputising for the Gunners’ first-choice forward in recent weeks after the Brazilian underwent knee surgery.

Arsenal and Arteta might want to wait till the end of the season before deciding on what to do about Balogun.

 

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