Folarin Balogun, the Arsenal striker, has hinted that he may leave the club by revealing that he would be open to returning to Stade Reims. Balogun has been on loan at the Ligue Un club and has been a hit with 17 goals in 27 league games. His impressive form could encourage Mikel Arteta to use him in the first team next season, but Balogun is not ruling out a potential exit and would be open to moving back to Reims.
In an interview with Ligue Un, Balogun said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future. A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens. I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
Balogun’s international future is also uncertain after being left out of the England squad. He appeared to be frustrated by his omission and posted a message hinting at a potential switch to the USA saying: “In life go where you are appreciated.” He then jetted out to Orlando, Florida this week – where the USMNT had a training camp.
USA interim boss Anthony Hudson also revealed he had held talks with Balogun over a potential switch. He said: “As I said before, we’ve had dialogue we’ve spoken. He’s out here, having a bit of a break and some training, and we’ve had some discussions. So yeah, now it’s about him just enjoying the rest of his trip. It’s been good, because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do. And look, that’s it, I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. So it’s been good to meet him, and I know a few of the guys who have spoke to him as well.”
Balogun’s future at Arsenal has been the subject of much speculation, with the 21-year-old yet to sign a new contract. His current deal expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium. However, Arteta has been impressed with Balogun’s performances on loan at Reims and could be tempted to give him a chance in the first team next season.
Balogun has been with Arsenal since he was eight years old and is highly rated by the club’s academy staff. He made his first-team debut in September 2020 in a Europa League game against Dundalk and has made six appearances in total for the Gunners. However, he has yet to start a Premier League game, and his lack of game time has led to speculation that he could leave the club.
Balogun’s potential departure would be a blow to Arsenal, who are keen to keep hold of their young talent. The Gunners have a history of producing top-quality players through their academy, and Balogun is seen as one of the brightest prospects. However, if he does leave, Arsenal will be looking to recoup a significant transfer fee for the striker.
In conclusion, Folarin Balogun’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain, with the striker yet to sign a new contract. His impressive form on loan at Stade Reims has led to speculation that he could leave the Gunners, with the player himself admitting that he would be open to a return to the French club. Balogun’s international future is also up in the air, with the striker hinting at a potential switch to the USA. Arsenal will be hoping to keep hold of their young talent, but if he does leave, they will be looking to recoup a significant transfer fee.