Arsenal could now have a problem involving Folarin Balogun as worrying report emerges

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Arsenal fans have enjoyed seeing Folarin Balogun shine away from the Emirates Stadium on loan at Reims.

The Hale End graduate – who has made ten senior appearances for the Gunners – is currently ahead of Lionel Messi and Neymar in the Ligue 1 scoring charts, after scoring 15 goals in 24 appearances.

As a result, Arsenal supporters have been dreaming about him returning to north London and maintaining his stunning form alongside another Hale End product in Bukayo Saka.

However, that may not be the case.

What’s the story?

Well – according to The Times – Balogun is unlikely to be happy as third choice striker under Mikel Arteta when he returns to north London at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old is expected to find himself behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order despite his efforts on loan at Reims.

Therefore, Arteta may have a difficult decision to make regarding the England Under-21 international.

Dean Jones – a respected journalist in the football world – claims that Arsenal will demand £50m if any side approaches them for their precocious talent.

Fabrizio Romano – an even more prestigious journalist – believes the Gunners could even look to sell Balogun given the fact they already have Jesus and Nketiah, with a decision set to be made at the end of the campaign.

It comes after Arteta described the New York-born sensation as a “rare” talent with the Spaniard seemingly a huge fan of his ability.

As quoted by Arsenal’s official website, the 40-year-old said: “I am very pleased and when you look at the numbers and what he is doing it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. He’s got something special, that’s why we decided to give him a long-term contract.”

Arsenal should find another loan for Balogun

In our view, it would be wrong to keep Balogun as third choice next season and stunt his development.

However, he is far too talented for Arsenal to sell, so Edu must look to find another loan move for the 21-year-old.

In truth, we see no reason why Reims would be against having Balogun back for the 2023/24 campaign, and given the fact he seems to be enjoying himself in France, the precocious forward may be willing to return.