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Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Eddie Nketiah, Transfers, Mikel Arteta
Joe Adams
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Eddie Nketiah, Transfers, Mikel Arteta
Arsenal could face a problem when Folarin Balogun returns from his loan, as the Englishman won't want to be the third-choice striker behind Eddie Nketiah, according to reports.
Balogun has exploded this season, scoring 15 goals on loan for French side Reims.
He is the second top goal scorer in Ligue 1, with only Kylian Mbappe having scored more in the division.
His form is likely to attract attention from all across Europe, with plenty of clubs waiting to pounce should he become available.
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Arteta will have a difficult decision to make on the Englishman's future, with Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.
The Times report that Balogun is "unlikely to want to return to the club" if he is to play second fiddle to Nketiah, who's contract runs out in 2025.
Meanwhile, Arsenal may look to cash in on the interest for Balogun, who the club value at £35million, as per Italian news outlet pianetamilan.it.
His possible departure may come as a surprise to some fans following his recent contract extension.
Whilst Arteta has previously suggested he has a future at the Emirates, revealing they would make a decision in the summer.
"He's got something special," the Spaniard said. "That's why we gave him a long-term contract and have faith in him, and give him the long period that he's having now, because the period he's having now is different to the one before at Middlesbrough.
"The plan is that he finishes his period there, assess the situation where he is, where we are, then sit down and plan the next chapter in his developing career."
The Times also reported that Arsenal were in the market for two central midfielders, a winger and a left back, with Balogun's potential sale helping fund those moves.