Folarin Balogun refuses to rule out Arsenal exit this summer as he claims ‘a lot could change’
Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun refuses to rule out the Gunners’ exit this summer, saying “a lot of things could change” after a prolific season with Reims in Ligue 1 amid European interest.
Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has refused to rule out a move away from the club this summer amid European interest.
The 21-year-old has shone for Reims in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 17 goals in 27 appearances for Will Still’s side.
Serie A giants AC Milan are believed to be one of several European clubs interested in Balogun and have left the door open to an exit after stating “a lot of things could change”.
Asked if he will return to the Emirates Stadium, Balogun said official website of league 1: ‘Yeah, I mean, contractually I have to come back.
‘Because the loan was only for one year, so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn’t, I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the future.
Folarin Balogun has shone for Reims in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 17 goals in 27 appearances.
But he refused to rule out a move away from the club this summer amid European interest.
Balogun will have to battle the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah next season.
“A lot can happen in football, a lot can change, and it just depends on the talks we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.”
Asked if a return to Ligue 1 could be in the cards, Balogun added: “Yes, I mean there is no door that is closed.” Of course I’ve had a good year here and for a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here.
‘So, yes, I mean I don’t know what the future will bring. But I would definitely recommend young gamers to come here. It is a very, very tough league, a league that will help you improve.
‘You get to play in crazy atmospheres. If you are ready to get out of your comfort zone, I would advise any young player, I would advise any young player to come here.”
Balogun has two Premier League appearances to his name, having started in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Brentford on the opening day of last season.
The youngster will return to north London when his loan spell in France ends at the end of the season, but he faces stiff competition for minutes.
Gareth Southgate says Folarin Balogun must show patience if he wants to play for England
He will battle with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard for a place in Mikel Arteta’s team next season.
Meanwhile, Balogun’s international future is also up in the air, with the USA keen to take him away from England.
He was photographed in the United States, where he was born, and has been seen attending an Orlando Magic basketball game and a New York Yankees baseball game.
However, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has urged Balogun to be patient if he is to represent England.
