Will Balogun get a chance at Arsenal or go elsewhere? [CSCRiTiCAL]

WITH Gabriel Jesus injured and Eddie Nketiah dividing Arsenal’s fanbase over his performances up front in recent matches, supporters have been wondering whether the Gunners could have been helped by young talent Folarin Balogun in their pursuit of Premier League glory.

The 21-year-old has been racking up admirers after a sparkling season on loan at Ligue One team Reims, competing with the likes of Kylian Mbappe at PSG and Lille’s Jonathan David for the golden boot award.

But his first team chances at Arsenal have been restricted by Gunners manager Mikel Arteta who has usually preferred Nketiah in the centre forward role.

It remains to be seen whether this opinion has changed after Balogun knuckled down in France and netted 15 goals to be the league’s joint scorer. Funnily enough, former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, who returned to his old club, is one behind with 14.

Balogun’s future must now be decided at the end of the season and Reims, perhaps. unsurprisingly, are keen to capture his services again.

Jean-Pierre Caillot, the Fence club’s president told France Bleu this week: “We are already working on life after Balogun, the day when he will leave our club. But if he and the club are open to another year at Reims, we’ll do everything to make it happen.”

As much as they want him back for another round, Caillot is convinced that they they will be in the box seat in what could be a race to sign him.

“I think [signing him] is impossible,” said Caillot. “The rules of the game are clear: these are boys that, when they join us, know that they’re here to improve and that it’s a step for them. So even if I’m not deciding for him, either Folarin will return to his club to have his chance, he’s loaned out, or transferred to a very big club.”

Liverpool have been linked with trying to lure Balogun to Anfield in the past but clubs in Germany are also said to be interested if Arteta does not give him opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.