Fulham reportedly want tie up a loan deal for Arsenal’s 20-year-old prospect Folarin Balogun in the summer, as they seek a backup to Aleksandar Mitrovic.
According to Daily Mail, Folarin Balogun is a target for Fulham, with the Championship flyers eyeing a loan move for the 20-year-old prospect. The Cottagers want the Arsenal striker on loan next season when they hope to be in the Premier League as they seek a viable backup for Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has broken the Championship goalscoring record after netting 38 goals across 41 appearances this campaign. The Serbian striker has set the second tier alight with his performances, which are set to take Fulham back into the Premier League.
The Cottagers have faced this scenario before wherein their performances in the Championship have no bearing on doing well in the Premier League. However, this time, the west London club want to make necessary signings to shore up the squad and face the challenges that lie ahead next season.
One of those challenges involves bringing in a viable backup for Mitrovic or risk going into the season with one top striker. Folarin Balogun, who has been impressing at Middlesbrough on loan from Arsenal since January is being considered a target by Fulham who may look to approach the 20-year-old in the summer.
Fulham want to bring the Arsenal prospect on a season-long loan move, as they know Arsenal may not be open to selling him permanently. Mikel Arteta decided to send Balogun away temporarily to help gain valuable first-team experience, and Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is helping doing that.
Balogun has three goals and two assists in 15 games this term, and many believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Arsenal. There is a tricky summer window brewing at the Emirates, with the north London club seeking at least two new strikers in the next window.
Arsenal are linked with a host of top names, with the latest being Victor Osimhen, with whom talks have already begun. These deals take time, and hence, Balogun is expected to return and become Arsenal’s main striker during the pre-season campaign, considering Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette will depart as free agents in the summer.
Arsenal also linked wtih Darwin Nunez, among others, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Luka Jovic and Richarlison. However, as things stand, Balogun remains their only recognised striker heading into the 2022/23 season.
Arsenal may not want to sell the 20-year-old prospect just yet and, depending on their transfer activity in the next window, may not stop a loan move for Balogun. However, considering important deals take time, especially for strikers, a loan move to Fulham or elsewhere may get delayed until the final days of the window.
