William Gallas has urged Folarin Balogun to remain at Arsenal even if he will only be a backup option and believes William Saliba is a great example he could learn from.
The 21-year-old has netted 18 goals on loan at Reims this season, with only Jonathan David, Alexandre Lacazette (both 19 goals) and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe (20 goals) out-scoring him in Ligue 1 this season.
Balogun is believed to have some reservations about returning to Arsenal, however, where he is likely to play second fiddle behind both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
He has been increasingly linked with a summer transfer away – with RB Leipzig one of several clubs circling – and the north Londoners may cash in, particularly given that Balogun only has two years left on his contract and isn’t inclined to renew.
But Gallas believes the England Under-21 international should stay and fight for his place at the north London club, while Saliba has shown it is possible to break into the starting XI.
‘I don’t think Balogun will start for Arsenal with Jesus at the club,’ the former Arsenal captain told Genting Casino.
‘He’s only 21. You see some players who don’t understand what it takes to play for a club like Arsenal, what they can bring him.
‘If he stays at Arsenal he will train with players better than at Reims. His football will improve.
‘I’m sure even if he’s a second choice he will get chances. It will be up to him to show what he can do.
‘Sometimes players think they should be starting early. But take it slowly.
‘If he doesn’t go back to Arsenal, maybe he will go on loan again. Look at Saliba. He came back, and he’s performing.
‘He has to be patient, and if he gets the chance to come back he should. He can show what he can do when he gets a chance.’
A permanent move away could suit all parties this summer, however, with Balogun keen to continue playing regular first-team football and Arsenal tempted by the prospect of getting in excess of £30million for the forward – which could then be reinvested in other areas of the squad.
MORE : Arsenal set price for Folarin Balogun amid interest from German club
MORE : ‘He is the one’ – Mikel Arteta reveals the moment he decided to sign Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
