Young star Folarin Balogun has cast serious doubt on his Arsenal future after he admitted that he won’t be sent on loan again next season, forcing the Gunners to choose between cashing in on the talent or adding him to their first team for next season.
The striker enjoyed an excellent campaign in Ligue 1, netting 21 times in 37 league games for Stade des Reims and catapulting himself into the spotlight in the process.
The young Gun netted his first ever senior international goal in the CONCACAF Nations League final on Sunday night, grabbing the USA’s second on the night to help them lift the trophy at the expense of Canada.
Folarin Balogun’s scores his first USA goal, doubling their lead against Canada in the Concacaf Nations League final tonight. 🔊🇺🇸
WHAT. A. MOMENT. @balogun ❤️ #afc pic.twitter.com/HL4Vicqd9r
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 19, 2023
Balogun admitted afterwards that it was a ‘dream’ outcome for the 21-year-old.
“It’s amazing. It’s a dream scenario for me,” the young Gun revealed.
“To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with delight.”
“I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place”, he explained.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.
“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”
Returning to north London, he currently finds himself behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the Arsenal pecking order, and the impending arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea could drop him even further down Mikel Arteta’s plans.
One of those, most likely Nketiah, would have to depart for Balogun to be guaranteed game time next season, though Arsenal could also choose to cash in on the USMNT star amid interest from around Europe and a valuation of around 40m euros.
