Folarin Balogun wants guarantees of first-team minutes next season, or he might consider his future at Arsenal.
The future of Folarin Balogun will become a hotly contested topic in the corridors at Arsenal in the summer. The striker could consider his future at the Emirates if the club and Mikel Arteta do not meet his conditions, which according to Football Insider, involve guarantees of first-team minutes.
Arsenal’s stars seem to have aligned properly in the last 12 months, with every decision made by the club reaping the rewards. The Gunners have succeeded in every aspect, from transfer dealings to sending their existing players on the right loan spell.
One of their highly heralded decisions to send striker Folarin Balogun on loan to France has paid off in a big way. Not only has the 21-year-old star found his calling, but he has also figured out his game in the bigger arena. Balogun’s 18 goals for Stade Reims make him Ligue 1’s third-highest goalscorer this season. Those numbers have opened the doors for interested parties to showcase their admiration.
Recent reports indicated as many as five clubs, including RB Leipzig, are keen to sign Balogun in the summer. The 21-year-old’s profile fits many sides who are keen to take advantage of his situation at Arsenal and reap future rewards.
Balogun was also heavily courted by the USMNT during the recent international break. If he chooses to represent the North American nation, there is hardly any doubt he will start for them in the No.9 role. However, he is unable to find the same guarantees coming from parent club Arsenal as he ponders a key decision over his future.
Balogun will have two years left on his deal in the summer, and he will speak with Mikel Arteta about his future. Owing to his rise in stature, the 21-year-old will return to London hoping to become a part of this Arsenal first-team squad.
As per the report, he wants the club to provide guarantees of regular first-team minutes, or he might look to leave. While Arsenal expects several offers for Balogun, Arteta would like to keep him here and continue his development.
Gabriel Jesus remains Arsenal’s preferred No.9. Leandro Trossard is their second choice alongside Eddie Nketiah. If the Gunners include Balogun, the 21-year-old might become their fourth choice in the current pecking order.
Arsenal have already set a huge valuation for Balogun, meaning if he decides to leave, the club will not let go of him cheaply. While the striker remains open to staying and fighting for a starting spot, he may find another club where he becomes a guaranteed starter.
Arteta will unlikely elevate him into a starting striker with Jesus and Trossard in the side. Hence, there’s a chance for Balogun to depart in the summer and find another club, but for now, there’s no decision on his future. For now, the Arsenal boss will focus his team’s efforts on winning the Premier League and leave transfer decisions for the summer.
