FOLARIN BALOGUN is reportedly “opposed” to going out on loan again with Arsenal facing a headache over the in-form striker.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season with French side Reims this year and has 18 goals in 29 league appearances.
His most recent was a last-minute pressure penalty against Brest to earn Reims a point, just the latest impact he has made during his impressive loan stint away from the Emirates.
Only Chelsea target Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe have scored more goals in France’s top flight this season.
While Arsenal will be overjoyed with Balogun’s progress, his sudden rise presents them with a problem this summer.
Balogun, who has been with the club since he was an eight-year-old, wants to continue being a first-choice striker when his loan spell ends.
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And the Athletic reports that the forward has no intention of being sent out on loan again.
It presents the Gunners with a serious dilemma given the club are already well-stocked in the No 9 position.
Gabriel Jesus has made an instant impact after signing from Manchester City last summer.
The Brazilian scored at Anfield on Sunday after a long injury lay-off and also hit a brace earlier this month against Leeds.
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His spell on the sidelines also saw Eddie Nketiah emerge as a capable and consistent goal scorer before injury left him also missing games.
Despite his starring role for Reims, Balogun might struggle to leapfrog either Jesus or Nketiah in the pecking order.
He has two years left on his contract and is attracting interest from European giants such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
