Folarin Balogun has recently clarified that he wants to be a starting striker when he returns from France next season after a very successful loan spell under William Still at Reims.
Many big clubs across Europe are keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old’s situation with PSG the most recent club to enter the race for the Arsenal striker.
According to Calciomercato, Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Folarin Balogun this summer, amid uncertainty around the situations of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.
David Ornstein reported for The Athletic earlier this month that Balogun is opposed to a third loan spell next season, and he also doesn’t plan to extend his current Arsenal contract – which expires in 2025.
“Florian Balogun wants to be a first-choice striker at Arsenal next season. This is unlikely to happen so he could be sold, amid huge interest following an extremely successful loan spell at Reims.”
Folarin Balogun of Reims. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
The Atheltic has added that the inform striker is currently being targeted by five different clubs. These clubs are AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille and Monaco. It’s unsurprising Folarin Balogun is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs with the Arsenal loanee scoring 18 goals in Ligue One so far this season.
Only Kylian Mbappe, Alex Lacazette and Jonathan David have more goals than the 21-year-old in France this season.
The young forward is currently showing explosive form at Reims and the Gunners could find it extremely difficult to keep hold of him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The striker wants to play as a first-choice striker next season, and he’d happily do so with Arsenal. But with that possibility appearing unlikely, a permanent transfer appeals to him.
Arsenal are expected to set their asking price at £40m+ for the extremely talented 21-year-old.
It’s looking like PSG could be a good fit for Folarin Balogun as they play in a league where Balogun is clearly already comfortable, their aging attacking line will need replacing in the near future, and they have the funds to afford what Arsenal want.
Balogun has no ill feelings towards Arsenal, but with top European clubs in the race and offering the player a starting spot next season, he’s evidently pushing the club to make a decision.
Mikel Arteta is yet to make a decision on Balogun’s future yet and will sit down with the player once he returns from his loan spell ahead of next season. However it’s looking likely the player will leave North London come the summer transfer window.
