Champions League clubs eye Arsenal forward, sale reluctantly considered

Arsenal would like to keep hold of Folarin Balogun, but are reluctantly considering a summer sale due to interest from AC and Inter Milan, as well as Roma. The 21-year-old has had a fantastic season on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, including five more goals in Ligue 1 than Lionel Messi this season. Mikel Arteta’s side return to the Champions League next season and will need a bigger squad than they had this campaign to deal with the demands, so Balogun would be a very handy addition to the first team ranks. However, after playing regularly all season with Reims, he is keen to continue his progress and if a big club can offer him more minutes on the pitch than Arsenal then he will be very tempted. Balogun has two years left on his contract with Arsenal, so they are not under great pressure to sell, but if he pushes for an exit and a big offer comes in then they will be willing to consider it. Arteta may still try and convince Balogun that he will play a big enough role for the Gunners next season that it will be worth him staying in north London. The striker himself has said that the conversations with the Arsenal boss and the wider club hierarchy will be key to where his future lies.