Arsenal have been told they must make a tough decision over the future of Folarin Balogun in the summer amid an impressive spell on loan with Ligue 1 side Reims. The academy graduate struggled to get regular game time with Championship side Middlesbrough last season, but has taken well to life in France since moving there.
The 21-year-old now has 14 league goals in 21 appearances, meaning he is outscoring PSG trio Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. It has led to questions as to where he may fit into the Arsenal side for the future, with the need to continue progressing after his loan spell.
"Arsenal is my family. For me, the club represents brotherhood and unity,” Balogun explained to L'Equipe earlier this season.
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"There, I learned always to push my limits. I remember from training the permanent desire to progress on a technical level. I think by the time I go back I’ll be in a better place to compete than I was before I left. I realised there were certain things I would struggle with, but I think that’s a good thing. It helps you to manage stuff you’re uncomfortable with which is important.”
With decisions to make over his future, the Gunners have been urged by former player David Bentley to keep the striker around as he could be a long-term option up front. He told Bitcoin Casinos: "I think Arsenal will hold onto Balogun and bring him back in the summer, he could be the answer up top.
"I think at Arsenal at the moment, they’ve sorted themselves out and it’s a great club that when I started my career there it had the good balance between the youth team and great set-up and are all in it together, plus have all bought into the same way of playing.
"I really do feel the short-term future of Arsenal is really positive at the moment – and all Balogun can easily slot back in and find a nice environment to be able to express himself on."
It remains to be seen whether Balogun will stay at the club, but for the mean time, his focus will be on finishing the season strongly with Reims.
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