Balogun’s Impressive Loan Form Poses Important Question to Arteta and Arsenal Amid Fan Concern

Balogun’s Impressive Loan Form Poses Important Question to Arteta and Arsenal Amid Fan Concern

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
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  • Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun is one of the brightest stars in the French Ligue 1 this season
  • Parent club Arsenal is also having an impressive season and are top of the Premier League
  • Fans are raving about the 21-year-old while still concerned if he could break into the team next season

The loan transfer system in football has been one of the best inventions of the game, as it allows youngsters who can't break into their club's first team to have quality playing time that will help their development.

It has however been used to exploit young players unnecessarily, with many going on multiple loans through the duration of their contracts before they are released or sold at a good profit.

Folarin Balogun, Arsenal, Reims, transfers, loan, France, Ligue 1, England, Premier League.
Folarin Balogun is impressing on loan at Reims from Arsenal. Photos by Sylvain Lefevre/Rob Newell.
Source: Getty Images

For Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun, the decision on him is unknown yet. He currently tops the scorer's chart in France with 14 goals ahead of Kylian Mbappe, as noted by Sky Sports.

Balogun impressing in France

The 21-year-old has scored 14 goals from just 18 starts in the Ligue 1 this season which has been impressive under head coach William Still.

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His recent goals earned him high praise from the 30-year-old manager, as quoted by Goal.

“He is a super complete striker. He is able to play with his back to goal, in depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive.” he said.

Fans reaction to Balogun's heroics

The Gunners fans are full of praise for their academy graduate who is competing with the world best stars in France and excelling and are hope he would be back in England next season.

His third goal against Lorient was reminiscent of former Arsenal Star Robin Van Persie.

@ArsenalN7 wrote:

Folarin Balogun has scored a whopping 54% of Reims goals this season. Arsenal’s majestic Hale End baller is reaping the benefits of a loan move to France. His development is going from strength to strength! I cannot wait to see him smash it in an Arsenal shirt next season.

@iam_philopearl wrote:

Have said it before and I will say it again, Hale End is the best football Academy in the world. Folarin Balogun is sure worth more than £100m in today’s market

@afcevan wrote:

Gentle reminder Mikel Arteta was key in making sure both Folarin Balogun and Eddie Nketiah stayed at Arsenal and signed new contracts. World class talent ID.

The major concern however is if the youngster will be able to break into the first team next season ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, or will he go on loan to a Premier League club to adapt to the league.

Balogun reveals Pepe and Lacazette advice

Sports Brief earlier reported that Alexander Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe advised Balogun to leave Arsenal on loan to the French Ligue to get regular minutes.

The two senior players left the club recently, Lacazette permanently to return to Olympique Lyonnais while Pepe is on loan at OGC Nice.

The Hale End graduate returned from championship loan with Middlesbrough and was advised by the two to try his luck in France if he is not guaranteed regular minutes at Arsenal.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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