Arsenal have the option to recall Folarin Balogun from his loan spell at Reims as they contemplate bringing in a cover for Gabriel Jesus.
According to 90min, Arsenal are considering recalling Folarin Balogun from his loan spell at Reims. The Gunners’ starlet has had a terrific season in Ligue 1, which might end if the north Londoners view him as a cover for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
A significant injury to Gabriel Jesus has rocked Arsenal. It occurred when Brazil played Cameroon in their final group-stage game. Initial reports suggested the striker suffered a knock to his knee early in the game. He continued playing until his substitution midway through the second half.
Manager Tite has since rubbished those stories, as the focus switches towards what Mikel Arteta might do to rectify the situation. Jesus has transformed the way Arsenal play with his high-energy style and tremendous grit in the final third. Despite a much-publicised goal drought, he remains one of Arteta’s essential leaders on the pitch.
The initial prognosis of his injury indicated a shorter recovery time. Arsenal have since confirmed Jesus will remain sidelined for around three months after undergoing surgery on his knee. The news will be a significant blow for Arsenal and their chances of winning the Premier League title.
Eddie Nketiah is the only natural replacement in the squad, but he cannot be their primary option for the period Jesus remains sidelined. There are concerns about Arteta’s plan to address the problem. Reports suggested Arsenal would sign only two players in January, which does not include a cover for the Brazilian.
Links with Tammy Abraham have resurfaced, but a move for the AS Roma striker is highly improbable in January. The other suggestion is recalling on-loan striker Folarin Balogun from his spell at Reims. Arsenal reportedly can do so, although they remain skeptical about it.
The Gunners are wary of halting Balogun’s developmental season in France, where he has eight Ligue 1 goals, which is one more than Lionel Messi. While his campaign could improve, the Gunners are cautious about ending it in January. Moreover, Balogun is only experiencing a consistent run of games for any team in the top flight for the first time.
Balogun is yet to prove his worth under Arteta despite the many promising signs during his brief moments on the pitch. It may appear that he would likely continue at Reims unless Arsenal take the drastic step of recalling the on-loan striker.
