Arsenal have £50m decision to make with "complete" player ready to play for Arteta

Arsenal have a key decision to make over the future of £50 million-rated Folarin Balogun in the summer once he returns from his loan spell at Ligue 1 side Reims.

Balogun is currently Ligue 1's top goalscorer, ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, with 14 strikes in his 20 appearances this season.

He caught plenty of attention last week after netting his first senior hat-trick in Reims' 4-2 win over Lorient last week.

Balogun is currently managed by Will Still, who formerly coached Preston North End U14s and gained experience as a video analyst for several top division clubs before becoming Reims assistant manager in 2021.

After a second spell as assistant, he was appointed as permanent manager last year, and is yet to lose any of his 14 matches in charge.

Speaking about Balogun, Still explained (quotes via BBC Sport): "He is a super complete striker. He is able to play with his back to goal and deep. He scores, he is decisive."

When he returns to the Emirates Stadium, the 21-year-old will be competing with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah for a spot in Mikel Arteta's starting XI.

Arsenal have Balogun dilemma

The key dilemma for Arsenal is based upon whether they are willing to give Balogun sufficient game time upon his return to Arsenal.

The 21-year-old has spoken of his belief that he will be in a 'better place to compete' for a starting role than before his loan spell in France began.

But if he is going to be behind Jesus or Nketiah, Arsenal may have a decision to make over whether to keep the youngster at the club, or allow him to move on permanently.

Balogun would no doubt have plenty of suitors were he to exit north London, but it may be that he pushes on further from his incredible performances in France and leaves Arteta with little choice but to play him regularly.

If they do decide to sell, Football Insider have reported that, as per Arsenal sources, club officials believe that the striker could soon be worth £50 million or more in the transfer market.

The Gunners will surely be desperate to give Balogun opportunities to succeed when his loan spell at Reims ends, but a move away may not be off the table.