Arsenal star tipped to move away, AC Milan want him

Arsenal star Folarin Balogun has been tipped to move to AC Milan in the summer.

The 21-year-old has been firing on all cylinders this term while on loan at French club Reims.

Balogun has netted ten goals in Ligue 1, a tally only bettered by Paris Saint-Germain superstars Kylian Mbappe (13) and Neymar (11).

He has also hit the ground running following the World Cup break too, netting a double in Thursday’s encounter with Rennes to help the club enter the top half of the table.

Nevertheless, Balogun’s future at Stade Auguste Delaune has been in question in the past month following the injury sustained by Brazil international Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup.

The Gunners currently have only one fit striker - Eddie Nketiah - who has stepped up in the absence of the Brazilian.

While Balogun would soon hope for first-team opportunities at the Emirates, has been tipped to depart Arsenal once more upon the end of his loan spell.

Balogun to AC Milan?

Italian publication Calciomercato has linked Balogun with a move to AC Milan next summer.

The report cites the England U21 star as the ideal signing for the Rossoneri, given the injury problems endured by Divock Origi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this term.

Indeed an opportunity may present itself for the Milan club. Balogun will return to Arsenal next summer but is likely to be behind £45million summer signing Jesus and Nketiah in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, the form of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and the potential signing of Mykhailo Mudryk means opportunities will also be limited on the flanks.

Nketiah stepping up

If Balogun wants a future at Arsenal he could take inspiration from Nketiah’s performances in recent weeks.

The former England U21 star signed a new Arsenal contract last summer. Nketiah has now scored in each of his last three games, taking his season tally to a very creditable five goals in nine starts in all competitions.

After scoring a wonderful goal against West Ham on Boxing Day, the 23-year-old tapped in a rebound to make the game safe versus Brighton.

Topics: Arsenal, Eddie Nketiah, Transfers, AC Milan, Ligue 1

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.