Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has reportedly emerged as a January target for Championship outfit Nottingham Forest.
According to The Telegraph reporter John Percy, Nottingham Forest are eyeing a January move for Folarin Balogun. The Championship club is keen on bolstering their offensive unit in the upcoming winter transfer window, with the Arsenal prodigy emerging as one of their multiple targets.
Nottingham are likely considering a loan offer for Balogun until the end of the season. In addition to the Arsenal forward, they have also registered interest in Aston Villa starlet Keinan Davis, although the youngster is also courted by Premier League outfit Norwich City.
Born in New York City, Balogun is regarded as one of the most gifted players to come out of the Arsenal academy in recent years, which is quite a feat given they have produced some star players such as Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka lately.
However, unlike the other two, the young forward has been unlucky with a lack of opportunities. Despite starring in the Elite Development League last term, the 20-year-old was not even a part of Arsenal’s Premier League squad while Mikel Arteta ignored him in the Europa League knockout fixtures, despite the player netting two goals in the group stages.
It has been pretty much the same story for Balogun this season, with the attacker featuring in just 70 minutes of league action for Arsenal. It appears he has no place in Arteta’s first-team plans despite the struggles of Eddie Nketiah and the recent drama surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
After breaking various club regulations, the Gabonese international has been recently stripped of the captaincy by Arsenal. He is also facing an uncertain future at the club, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly interested in his services.
Regardless of what the future holds for Aubameyang, Balogun may have to settle for a loan move away from the Emirates in January, thus putting Nottingham Forest on red alert. As mentioned earlier, the Tricky Trees are keen on shoring up their goalscoring options and competition for Lewis Grabban during the second half of the campaign.
Folarin Balogun fits the bill well given all his talent and skill in the final third, as he looks for an opportunity to make his breakthrough in professional football. However, Nottingham Forest must act swiftly if they are to get their hands on the Arsenal forward, who is also a target for fellow Championship giants in Bournemouth.
