Aston Lukoye
According to a report by The Athletic, Folarin Balogun is keen to continue operating as a first-choice striker and is not willing to extend his contract with Arsenal if he cannot fulfil that role at the Emirates.
The talented striker has been impressing on loan with Reims in Ligue 1 this season and has his sights set on returning to the Gunners as their No 9 next season.
However, given the seniority and contractual lengths of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who are both signed until 2027, it seems unlikely that Balogun will be able to secure the coveted position of Arsenal’s first-choice striker any time soon. As such, he is not willing to settle for a secondary role in the team and is opposed to the idea of a third loan move, having already spent the second half of the 2021-22 season with Middlesbrough.
Balogun is now approaching the last two years of his current deal with Arsenal and is attracting attention from major European sides, including AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco, and RB Leipzig, all of whom can offer him a starting berth. It is known that the young striker is attracted to such opportunities and is therefore considering his options carefully.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to convince Balogun to extend his contract and commit his long-term future to the club, or whether he will choose to move on and pursue opportunities elsewhere. Nonetheless, it is clear that the young striker is determined to continue his development as a first-choice striker and will not settle for anything less than that.
