Arsenal star Folarin Balogun is set for a decisive summer with his future at the Gunners significant up for debate. The 21-year-old's goal-scoring success on loan at Stade Reims this season is well-documented and it has therefore given Mikel Arteta and Edu a major decision to make at the end of the campaign.
17 goals from 27 Ligue 1 appearances has clearly placed Balogun in a position where he is ready to be transitioned into the Arsenal first-team. Unfortunately, his pathway into the senior XI is somewhat blocked by both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
The Brazil international became Arsenal's first choice number nine after joining the club from Manchester City last summer. However, a significant knee injury suffered at the World Cup saw him miss over four months of action, but Nketiah, six months on from signing a new long-term contract, proved his worth to Arteta in Jesus' absence by grabbing an important six goals from six games in all competitions throughout December and January.
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The Hale End grad's impact waned as 2023 elapsed further but his woes were softened by the glowing performances of Leandro Trossard who joined the club from Brighton in January. The Belgian international, Martinelli and Jesus all offer the same fluidity in attack when played as the vocal point, and Arsenal seem at their best when playing in that style.
Balogun may not be able to adapt to that tactic which could see him leave, but that decision will be made in the summer with the two parties to hold talks on his future, as reported by the Evening Standard. There will be a lot of spinning plates involved when negotiations eventually begin with the demands of Balogun likely to be clear.
Having enjoyed a scintillating loan spell, Balogun is unlikely to settle for a bit-part role at his boyhood club, however, the fortunes of Nketiah and Jesus could greatly affect that. Knowing his difficult Arsenal decision and having seen his talent, AC Milan have already shown their interest and it is expected that more clubs will throw their hat in the ring for his services.
Balogun's contract expires in 2025 and that will likely be a key factor in what takes place this summer. Edu and Arteta could look to cash in on the striker with his stock likely at the highest point it will be. However, Arsenal will hope to avoid doing what they did to Manchester City last summer when signing Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Whatever is decided, due to the fragile state of the situation, it is unlikely to appease everyone associated with Arsenal. Balogun could leave and go on to become a club legend elsewhere or he could stay and cement his place as Arsenal's first-choice forward, however, if he does stay there is a chance things don't work out the way either party wants and his eventual departure is filled with regret and annoyance.
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