The Arsenal graduate is shining in the French Ligue 1. Can he make his way into the Gunners’ packed squad this summer?

Striker Folarin Balogun is on loan in French Reims from Arsenal London, where he is doing very well. Surprisingly, the Gunners’ tribal player is at the top of the scorers’ table along with Lille’s Jonathan David. With his performances, he is clearly asking for a chance in the Arsenal first team, which he will fight for in the summer training. Will he earn a permanent place in a packed squad?

Twenty-one-year-old Folarin Balogun has been gaining experience in the French Ligue 1 this season. He is on loan from Arsenal London to Reims in France, where he has become a key player in the team.

The England youth international has started 25 competitive matches so far this season, scoring sixteen goals. And with fifteen goals scored so far, he tops the Ligue 1 scorers table along with Jonathan David.

This is a huge achievement for the talented striker as he leaves behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Alexandre Lacazette.

Experts are already looking into Balogun’s future in Arteta’s team. In January, there was speculation about his early return to London due to an injury to Brazilian sniper Gabriel Jesus.

However, Arsenal’s management decided to give another youngster Eddie Nketiah a chance, plus the club brought in Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

Spanish strategist Mikel Arteta has decided to keep Balogun on loan at French side Reims until the end of the season to gain valuable experience at the highest level.

However, they are counting on their offspring at the Emirates Stadium in the summer to get a chance to fight for his place in the Gunners’ packed squad. Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is impressed with Balogun’s development and sees him as the future of the club.

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna is equally impressed with Balogun’s performances. “I believe that Folarin Balogun will return to Arsenal. Look at how Saliba turned out, he played at Marseille and was the best defender in Ligue 1. Balogun is performing perfectly, even though he doesn’t play for the best team in the league, which shows his quality,” Sagna said.

“Arsenal will be very pleased to have him back because he can be a great asset to the team. It is fortunate to have three young strikers and it is a nice worry for the coach,” Sagna added.

Balogun’s performances have also impressed AC Milan officials, who have him on their list of dream reinforcements. Anyway, the main goal of the skilful striker is to make his way into the squad of his parent club Arsenal.

Source: Football London