15 April 2023 , 10:05
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Arsenal would be open to selling wonderkid Folarin Balogun but only if their £26m asking price is met.
The academy graduate has enjoyed a standout season with French club Reims this term. After joining the Ligue 1 side on a season-long loan, the 21-year-old has hit 19 goals in all competitions.
His performances across the channel has seen other clubs take notice. Sides across Europe including AC Milan, Marseille and more are noted to be admirers of Balogun, whilst teams in the Premier League could be tempted to make a move for him should he leave Arsenal in the near future.
Amid interest in his services, a decision needs to be taken over his future. According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Gunners would be open to letting the young forward move on at some point soon.
It is suggested that Mikel Arteta is currently happy with his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium and it appears unlikely that Balogun would receive opportunities next term. He has decided he would not be happy sitting on the bench in north London, with a €30m (£26.8m) asking price having been set by the Gunners’ hierarchy.
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The 21-year-old is under contract with Arsenal until 2025 and has suggested that he would be open to bidding farewell to the Gunners on a permanent basis. Asked what his future holds last month, Balogun replied: "Contractually I have to go back [to Arsenal].
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"Because the loan [with Reims] was only for one year so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn't, um, I'm not sure what is going to happen in the future. A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we'll see what happens."
"Yeah I mean there's no door that's closed,” he added. "Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don't know what the future will bring.”
Amid a decision over his club future, Balogun also has a call to make over his international commitments. He has regularly represented the England U21 side during the early stages of his career.
However, the United States are attempting to convince him to represent them on a senior basis - the striker having been born across the pond. He travelled to Orlando for a short holiday during the most recent international break and held both formal and informal talks with the USMNT.
In the meantime, he will be aiming to extend his hot form in Ligue 1 this weekend. Will Still’s Reims take on Rennes on Saturday afternoon, with a win seeing them get their push for a European place back on track.