Reims are set to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, who also had offers from Premier League clubs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Folarin Balogun is inching closer to signing for Reims in Ligue 1, despite having offers from Premier League clubs. The Gunners will let the 21-year-old forward depart on a loan deal as competition for places at the Emirates remains high.
Arsenal have made tremendous moves in the transfer window, specifically strengthening their front line. However, some of the north London side’s decisions left Balogun’s immediate future at the Emirates in doubt. And he is now getting close to a move away from the club.
The arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City and the contract renewal of Eddie Nketiah’s contract kept Balogun down the pecking order. As a result, the forward would have been restricted to sporadic appearances in cup competitions at a time when he wants to play regular football.
Balogun signed a new deal last summer, and having spent the first half of the season under Mikel Arteta, he was shipped out on loan to Middlesbrough in January. He scored three times and provided as many assists during his time at the Riverside Stadium and will now seek to gain furthers experience at the top level.
Reims are closing on loan deal to sign Folarin Balogun from Arsenal, set to be agreed until June 2023. Balogun has received proposals also from PL clubs but he’s prepared to accept Reims. ???????? #AFC
Medical could take place early next week, waiting for details to be resolved. pic.twitter.com/5U9rKIop0N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2022
Reims had emerged as a potential destination for Balogun only recently as the French side were keen to bolster their attack after the departure of Hugo Ekitike to PSG. They sought Balogun as the ideal candidate to replace the French sensation and they are now inching closer to signing him on a loan deal.
Balogun had interest from Fulham and some other sides in the Premier League. However, the 21-year-old is keen on securing a move to Reims, as he could stand a better chance of getting regular playing time at the French club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the two sides are set to agree on a loan deal until 2023, with medicals being prepared for early next week. There could be some details yet to be resolved, although the path for Balogun seems clear as an adventure in Ligue 1 awaits.
Balogun could gain valuable experience playing regularly in France, considering the presence of Jesus and Nketiah would have disrupted his progress at the Emirates as game-time would have been hard to come by.
