Arsenal ‘could sell loanee Folarin Balogun’ despite the Reims striker outscoring Messi and Mbappe

Arsenal could reportedly sell borrower Folarin Balogun despite the in-form forward having outplayed Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 for Reims.

Balogun, 21, has stunned Arsenal by racking up 14 Ligue 1 goals this season, including a hat-trick against Lorient under British coach Will Still.

The youngster, who had a difficult loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, has been one of the rising stars in European football but his parent club now faces a dilemma over whether he is part of their long-term plans.

Balogun, born in New York and eligible to play for England, USA and Nigeria, has just 18 months on his contract and Mikel Arteta has yet to decide whether the striker has a future at the club, according to Sun.

The Gunners would either have to offer Balogun a new deal or try to sell him for maximum profit before his current contract expires.

Arsenal could reportedly sell borrower Folarin Balogun despite the Reims striker having a prolific season

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has yet to decide if Balogun, whose contract expires in 18 months, is in his long-term plans.

Balogun boss Still was so impressed with the striker’s red-hot form that he even tried to sign him to a permanent deal in the January window.

However, Arsenal rejected the proposal as they are waiting for more time to decide what to do in the summer.

Balogun faces stiff competition in a title-challenging squad with No. 1 choice Gabriel Jesus yet to return from injury with substitute Eddie Nketiah taking over in his absence.

It is understood that Arsenal could keep Balogun for the first half of next season to see if he can perform at the top of both English and European football.

If he can’t make his mark, Arsenal could send the striker back on loan, but they must do so before he enters the last 12 months of his contract, where they risk losing him for free.

Balogun, 21, would face stiff competition from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the Premier League

Balogun recently set himself a goal of reaching 20 goals for the season, which he is certainly capable of in this explosive form.

Arsenal is my family. But I have spent my entire career in England and I knew it was going to be a different test when I came to Reims,” he said.

‘I didn’t know the language and I’m still trying to learn, but it was important for me to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. That’s why I’m here and I hope it’s a worthwhile decision for me.

“I have already reached my goal for the start of the season and now I want to do even better and I hope to score 20 goals.”