Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is considering recalling Folarin Balogun from his loan spell at Reims due to njury to star striker Gabriel Jesus while on international duty with Brazil at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, according to 90min.
Arsenal considering Folarin Balogun recall from Reims
The report has claimed that Arsenal have the option to recall the 21-year-old striker in the January transfer window.
The Gunners have discussed the idea of bringing back the youngster to the Emirates Stadium in the middle of the season and then reintegrating him into the first team.
This is due to Jesus suffering a knee injury for Brazil at the World Cup and needing surgery.
The former Manchester City striker could now be on the sidelines for three months.
Although ‘there is a reluctance to disrupt the England youth international’s progress’ at Reims, Arsenal are open to bringing him back and have not ruled it out, according to the report.
What should the Gunners do?
In our view, Arsenal should not bring Folarin Balogun from his loan spell at Reims.
If Arteta did not think that the 21-year-old was ready to play for the first team in August 2022, then a few months of playing in France will not have made him ready to start for the Gunners.
Eddie Nketiah is now set to lead the line for Arsenal in the absence of Jesus, and if Balogun – described by Arteta as “incredible” on Arsenal’s official website in January 2022 – came back, then he would only be warming the bench at the Emirates Stadium.
How is that going to help the youngster in his development?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
