Arsenal 'tracking five strikers' with Folarin Balogun's future in doubt

Arsenal are set to hold talks with Folarin Balogun as manager Mikel Arteta draws up his wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

Should things go their way, then Arsenal will head into the summer transfer window with the pull of being Premier League champions.

With ten games of the season remaining Mikel Arteta's sit at the top of the table, eight points clear of closest chasers Manchester City.

Should the Gunners end their 19-year league title drought then they will not rest on their laurels, as they will be keen to keep their place among Europe's top sides.

To do that will require reinforcements, and the attack is one area the club are keen to address.

Although Gabriel Jesus has spent much of the season injured, acquiring him from City already looks like a smart move.

Although Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard have proved to be decent deputies up front, Arteta is reportedly keen to bring in a different profile of striker to give his side more options.

Arsenal monitoring five attackers

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal have tracked Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dusan Vlahovic, Tammy Abraham and Victor Osimhen this season.

The Gunners are also believed to be one of several major clubs keeping tabs on 6ft 3in striker Rasmus Hojlund, who scored five goals in two games for Denmark last week despite being only 20.

However, if Arsenal want to bring in that profile of attacker, then it could spell the end of Balogun's time at the Emirates Stadium.

The US-born, England youth international came up through Arsenal's academy, and has spent this season on loan in France at Ligue 1 side Reims.

The 21-year-old has certainly taken to his temporary home, scoring 17 goals in 27 league appearances.

Only Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David have netted more times in the division, while no player aged 21 or under has scored more goals in Europe's top five leagues this season.

Balogun can play anywhere across the forward line, so sounds like a good fit for Arteta's squad. However, at 5ft 10in, if Arsenal want to sign a more imposing attacker to complement Jesus then the youngster might have to make way.

Arteta and Arsenal's sporting director Edu have been fed reports on Balogun throughout the season by loan manager Ben Knapper, and plan to hold talks with the player.

With only two years remaining on his urrent deal, Arsenal might decide that now is the right time to cash in on the in-form striker.

Topics: Arsenal, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Football

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton