Folarin Balogun wants first team football next season (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal have a difficult decision to make over the future of striker Folarin Balogun this summer.
The America-born striker has enjoyed a sensational loan spell with French side Reims this season, scoring 18 times in Ligue 1 this term.
Only Alexandre Lacazette, Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe have scored more goals than Balogun in France this season.
The loan spell has thrusted attention on to Balogun, who signed a new deal with Arsenal last year.
However, that was before the club sealed a deal for Gabriel Jesus, while Eddie Nketiah has provided adequate back-up to the Brazilian this season.
Balogun’s path to first team minutes therefore looks blocks at the Emirates, but Mikel Arteta remains a huge admirer of the striker.
Balogun would ideally like to play for his boyhood club but he will not accept a bit-part role in north London and will push to leave this summer if that’s the case.
Balogun’s hit 18 goals this term (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images)
While Arsenal’s preference is to keep Balogun, they are aware that his stock is high and that’s attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Lyon.
However, Sky Germany say RB Leipzig have entered the race for Balogun as they feel he’s an ideal replacement for Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman has agreed a deal to move to Stamford Bridge this summer following the Blues’ decision to activate a £52m release clause in his Leipzig contract.
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The Germans are keen to reinvest that money and they’re happy to meet Arsenal’s £40m asking price for Balogun.
Arsenal could then use those funds to launch a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice, who could cost in excess of £100m.
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They have a decision to make.