Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Transfers, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football, Ligue 1
Joe Adams
Topics: Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Transfers, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football, Ligue 1
Folarin Balogun has opened up on his future at Arsenal, revealing that "it makes sense" to return to France following a hugely successful loan spell in Ligue 1.
Balogun has enjoyed a prolific campaign at Reims, netting 18 goals in all competitions - just two goals off Ligue 1 top scorers Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe.
However, he faces a huge decision in his young career when he returns to the Emirates in the summer.
The 21-year-old will reportedly hold talks with Arsenal to determine whether he will stay with the club or move onto pastures new.
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Indeed, should Balogun choose to move on, he will have a whole host of top European clubs waiting to battle it out for his signature.
The Englishman has since lifted the lid on his options, revealing he may return to France.
In an interview with Ligue 1's website, Balogun was quizzed on whether he could return to France.
"Yeah I mean there's no door that's closed," Balogun replied. "Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here.
"So yeah I mean I don't know what the future will bring. But definitely I would advise young players to come out here. It's a really, really tough league, a league that will help you to improve."
However, the striker also admitted he was unsure about his future, and it would depend on the conversations he has with Arsenal.
When asked if he would 'try to impose himself at Arsenal', Balogun said: "Yeah I mean, contractually I have to go back.
"Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn't, um, I'm not sure what is going to happen in the future.
"A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we'll see what happens."
Balogun also revealed he has been keeping an eye on Arsenal's phenomenal title charge this season.
The Gunners are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and chasing their first league trophy for almost 20 years.
"Yeah, I mean, I can't not really [keep an eye on Arsenal]," said Balogun.
"Every time I turn on my phone and I see their scores, and I just see some of my friends, obviously I still speak with them, and yeah, I'm buzzing for them.
"A lot of them have worked so hard, and I've seen it over pre-season. They deserve it, to be where they are. I just hope they can bring it over the line."
Balogun singled out Bukayo Saka as someone who has inspired him, following his remarkable contributions in north London.
Saka has the third most goal contributions in the league, behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, having established himself as one of England's most exciting talents.
"I've grown up with Bukayo [Saka], especially, since maybe the age of 13s, 14s, and to see what he has achieved in the first team, I take inspiration from that," added Balogun.