Folarin Balogun has impressed while on loan at Reims from Arsenal this season (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal are reluctant to recall Folarin Balogun from his loan spells at Reims despite Gabriel Jesus suffering a knee injury that could rule him out for up to three months.
The Brazil international has had a galvanising impact on Mikel Arteta’s side and played a key role in their unlikely title challenge.
Arsenal had opened up a five point gap at the top of the table prior to the break for the World Cup but Jesus’ injury, suffered while playing for his country against Cameroon, has thrown a spanner in the works.
Eddie Nketiah, who signed a new long-term contract in the summer, represents the only recognised senior cover for Jesus, but he is yet to score a Premier League goal this season.
Balogun, meanwhile, has impressed in Ligue 1 this season and has eight goals from 15 appearances so far.
Eddie Nketiah is set for an extended run in Arsenal’s first XI (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal do have an option to recall the England Under-21 international when the transfer window reopens but, according to Goal, are almost certain to let the youngster gain further first team experience abroad.
Arteta had identified a wide forward and a holding midfielder as his priorities for the January window and Jesus” unavailability is unlikely to alter that plan.
Shakhtar Donetsk winger, Mikhailo Mudryk, who has spoken openly of his desire to play for Arsenal, remains the top target but his club are likely to charge in excess of £50million.
Arsenal are also understood to be exploring a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo Pereira who has been on the club’s radar for well over a year.
Arsenal’s bid for a top four finish last season collapsed following an injury to Thomas Partey and with Albert Sambli Lokonga struggling to convince on the occasions he has filled in for the Ghana international this season, Arteta does not want to be caught short in that department again.
MORE : Ronaldo sends powerful message to Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus after World Cup-ending injury
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The Brazil striker is likely to be out of action for three months.
