Of the Arsenal players that have been out on loan this season, there's a strong argument to be made that Folarin Balogun has been the biggest success story.
Having netted against Montpellier on the final day of the Ligue 1 campaign on Saturday night thus taking his total to 21 - 22 across all competitions - despite missing out to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race he still managed to outscore Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Such numbers have understandably raised the question with regard to Balogun providing Gunners manager Mikel Arteta with somewhat of a transfer dilemma heading into the summer as Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah could soon have extra competition for the central striker role.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta gets final Arsenal transfer message from Folarin Balogun amid £35m summer dilemma
However, with the newly-announced USMNT, fairly, wanting to be the first-choice striker wherever he is next season, as it seems unlikely that will be the case at Arsenal, this summer is shaping up to be the ideal time for the club to cash in with Balogun having two years remaining on his deal.
But amid talk of AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille and Monaco all monitoring his situation and being valued at around £35m by the north London outfit, some supporters have taken to social media to suggest a bidding war should start at £40m to accurately reflect the season the striker has just had.
For example, on Twitter @afcevan said: "21 league goals for 21-year-old Balogun. £40m should be the starting point," @ifiokistired echoed the same view: "Balogun has 21 league goals for Reims, £40m better be the starting point", @Harry23830757 said: "£40m will ease the pain" and @frost_niccur said: "We cash in £40m+ no excuses."
Although, there are some fans that believe Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar should demand a lot more than £40m for Balogun, with some amazing theories and swap deals being shared on the social media platform.
@julian_thorsen said: "Bid £90m and Balogun to Napoli and get Oshimen", @iam_philopearl is proposing a "50m" deal, @zelda5_iam said: "£65m", @Madida_DmL said: "£55m should be the starting point", but @tomparrott5 said: "£40m is optimistic I think, I can see us getting £30m for him. A lot of mediocre players score big numbers over there."
One way or another, Balogun's future will be decided this summer. Mainly because he will turn 22 over a month before the opening game of the 2023/24 campaign and therefore must be registered in Arsenal's Premier League squad - as a homegrown player - if Arteta plans to integrate him into the first-team picture.
With the Gunners expected to be busy in the transfer window amid interest in Declan Rice in particular, it's worth noting they must adhere to the Premier League rules so, therefore, Balogun will either be part of the squad challenging Jesus or Nketiah to lead the line, is sent out on loan to gain more first-team experience, or the club decides to cash in.
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