Ian Wright has tipped Folarin Balogun to have a breakthrough season at Arsenal when he returns from his loan spell at Reims in the summer.
Balogun, 21, has impressed while on loan at Will Still's side this term. He has scored a remarkable 18 times in 29 appearances and is joint-third behind Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue 1 scorers chart.
However, he could be third-choice at Arsenal next season. Gabriel Jesus has shone since his big-money move from Manchester City, while Eddie Nketiah has impressed when he has played.
But Wright believes that Balogun will hit the ground running when he comes back in pre-season. The New York- born frontman has made just two Premier League appearances for the Gunners so far.
Speaking on Wrighty's House podcast, he said: "Hopefully he can come back to Arsenal at some stage and prove himself. He’s gone to another level in confidence.
"I think anywhere he goes in aspect of leagues; he’ll do what he is doing (in France) with the right service. It’s the way he’s taking those chances. His head space is at a different place right now. He knows he can do it right now.
"I guarantee you if he comes back, he probably picks up from what he’s doing in that league."
There has been a lot of talk surrounding Balogun's international future over the last week after he pulled out of the England Under 21s squad through injury. Balogun then decided to travel all the way over to the USA to hold talks over representing them instead of the Three Lions.
It all came after he was snubbed by Gareth Southgate for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine. Ivan Toney, who has scored 16 Premier League goals for Brentford this season, was chosen as the second striker to Harry Kane.
USA interim head coach Anthony Hudson said last week: "As I've said before, we've had dialogue. We've spoken. He's out here having a bit of a break and then some training, and we've had some discussions.
"I think it's been good because it's been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do and that's it. I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. It's been good and I know a few of the guys have spoken to him as well."
Arsenal fans will be hoping this doesn't disrupt his form for Reims. He has been one of the outstanding young players in France this season and will have an eye on the Golden Boot award. Reims currently sit ninth, seven points off the European places.
