Charles Watts has claimed that there is an ‘80%’ chance that striker Folarin Balogun will leave Arsenal this summer.
The 21-year-old was on-loan at Ligue 1 side Reims this season where the Arsenal academy product scored 21 goals for the French club and further enhanced his reputation in a league dominated by Kylian Mbappe.
But added to Folarin Balogun’s rise in France, he also decided to switch international allegiances by deciding to represent the USA after earning a number of caps for England’s younger age groups.
Mikel Arteta made it clear by having summer signing Gabriel Jesus and fellow academy star Eddie Nketiah ahead of Balogun this season, so it has to be questioned what has changed?
In truth, the American is still behind Jesus because of what he has won and his reputation at the top of the table, but should he be ahead of Nketiah?
Even if he is, it’s still probably not enough to keep him in north London, as Watts expects the all-action forward to head for the exit door this summer.
“I can’t say for 100% that he is leaving, I would be surprised if he doesn’t leave this summer,” said Watts. “Maybe he will stay, maybe Arsenal get a bid for Nketiah and move Nketiah on and decide to keep Folarin Balogun, even though it’s looking like he won’t sign a new contract.
“I think this is the summer Balogun goes because of his contract situation. His desire to be guaranteed first-team minutes now and how difficult that might be at Arsenal going forward. I think the interest in him is going to be widespread. There is widespread interest in him.
“When you say how certain I am? If you ask me to put a percentage on it, then I would say about 80% (that Balogun leaves).”
Balogun right to leave Arsenal
If the Hale-End star wants to take his game to the next level, then he has to head for the exit door and find a new home that will offer him regular football.
Balogun proved that by going out on-loan this season and enhancing his reputation even further.
There is some talk that Serie A giants Juventus are keen on the player, and if that offer is on the table, then he should take it with both hands.
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