Arsenal Striker Set To Sign For Reims On Loan

Folarin Balogun is closing in on a loan move to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The young forward is expected to join the French side for the season.

Romano also reports that the striker received proposals from Premier League clubs but has accepted to join Reims.

Medicals could take place early next week.

Reims lost young striker Hugo Ekitike to PSG earlier in the window, so Balogun is expected to get plenty of game-time.

Ligue 1 will be a new test for the 21-year-old, who spent the second half of last season at Middlesbrough.

Balogun performed well when starting for the Championship side but struggled for consistent starts as Chris Wilder's team sought promotion.

Official: Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun has joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Good luck, @balogun! #afc pic.twitter.com/SYc1HB9UU0

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 12, 2022

Arsenal have signed Gabriel Jesus this summer, and Eddie Nketiah has signed a new contract.

While the return of the Europa League could have benefited Balogun, it is expected Nketiah will play most of the minutes in that competition.

At this stage in Balogun's development, it is important the young striker get's consistent game-time, and Reims could be the place for that.

The New York born striker has shown a lot of promise for Arsenal, already scoring two goals in the Europa League.

Balogun broke into the Arsenal first team following a prolific time in the U23 squad.

He looked set to leave his boyhood club last year but a late change in plans saw the striker sign a new long term contract.

Folarin Balogun’s goal, Arsenal’s fifth & final one against Ipswich Town today.

Matt Smith’s pass >>> pic.twitter.com/QU1D8WCYNZ

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 2, 2022

At the time, Mikel Arteta said:

“We have been extremely impressed with Flo this season.

"He has continually shown his natural ability in many training sessions with us and we have been equally impressed with his early integration into the first-team squad on matchdays. 

"He has given us glimpses with the performances and of course with his two goals already for the first team.

"The hard work starts here for Flo and we are all looking forward to supporting and working with him in the years to come.”

It is clear Balogun features in Arteta's plans for the future and the Gunners will be hoping he can enjoy a good spell on loan.