Folarin Balogun saw his loan spell in France come to an end this weekend after a hugely successful season with Stade De Reims.
Folarin Balogun joined Reims on loan at the beginning of the season in order to gain more first-team experience and his time in France has gone even better than many expected. The striker bagged 21 goals in Ligue One throughout the 2022/23 campaign, establishing himself as one of the top young forwards in Europe.
The 21-year-old missed out on the golden boot to Kylian Mbappe, however he still managed to outscore Lionel Messi and Neymar this season.
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Folarin Balogun recently declared last month that he will be playing his international football for the U.S. national team after the 21-year-old pledged his future to his birth country. With his international future sorted, Balogun will now turn his attention toward his club situation, with many teams across Europe interested in signing the Arsenal striker this summer.
After his outstanding displays throughout 2022/23, Mikel Arteta now faces a transfer dilemma ahead of next season. Folarin Balogun wants to continue playing as the main striker, however with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah currently fighting for the number nine at the Emirates, it’s difficult to see where Balogun fits in at Arsenal.
It’s looking likely the newly-announced US international will be sold this summer, with his transfer value at an all-time high. AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille, Monaco and more teams are all monitoring Folarin Balogun’s situation at Arsenal.
The prospect of staying at Reims has never seemed to be a real option for Balogun who wants to take another step up in his career next season. However after such a successful loan spell the striker went to social media to offer a heartfelt message to the Reims supporters who have been brilliant for him throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Balogun’s message to the Reims fans: “Never easy to say goodbye, but we’ve arrived at the inevitable destination.”
“Last summer I had the opportunity to join and was welcomed with open arms from day one! The support I’ve received from you all throughout my loan spell has been incredible and heartwarming. I leave hoping I was able to repay the love, trust and belief you guys put in me.”
“This will forever be an unforgettable chapter for me and my family. Thank you for everything! Balo.”
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Merci
Never easy to say goodbye, but we’ve arrived at the inevitable destination. Last summer I had the opportunity to join n was welcomed with open arms from day-one! The support I’ve received from you all through-out my loan spell has been incredible and heartwarming. pic.twitter.com/HkTo1U5W0P
— Balogun (@balogun) June 5, 2023
