Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun has been on loan at Stade de Reims since last summer and is enjoying an impressive season in France.
The striker has scored 19 goals and registered three assists from 31 games, and his form has not gone unnoticed.
According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal’s initial plan was to send the 21-year-old on loan so that he could continue his development. His explosion could now open the possibility to cash in from his sale.
The Gunners didn’t expect the possible offensive from several clubs for Balogun. AC Milan have included his name in their target list, while the ‘most intense interest’ comes from France and specifically from Lille and AS Monaco.
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca appreciates the Arsenal owned player’s profile and views him as a candidate to replace Jonathan David, if the Canadian leaves after this season.
Should David be sold, they could reinvest part of the fee to sign Balogun. It’s claimed Lille could be ready to write a ‘nice cheque’ to Arsenal to secure the attacker’s services.
Lille will face competition from Monaco, who are following the England U21 international’s situation.
A return to Arsenal will see Balogun fight with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a place in the starting XI next season. With several clubs interested, Mikel Arteta’s side and the player will have to make a decision on his future in the summer.
