Arsenal started the season with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the only forward options. A lot of pressure has been placed on both due to the congested fixture list as the World Cup has taken place unusually halfway through the club fixture calendar.
Fans are concerned about the pressure on both of the players to score goals, and it was expected that an additional goal source would be signed in the summer transfer window to provide more support for the two strikers. But, this was not the case as Arsenal ended the window with Jesus as the sole attacking incoming.
However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise that Edu decided against signing a third option. The reason for this is because Folarin Balogun is currently flying high in Ligue 1, and despite links to Jonathan David from Lille, Balogun has shown why Arsenal can instead save money.
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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal and Tottenham showed an interest in Lille striker Jonathan David recently. Speaking to CaughtOffside, he said: “I think after the World Cup his situation will be clear, let’s see if January or next summer.
"The fee could be around €35-40million but also depends on the performances this season. He was on Arsenal and Tottenham list one year ago then they decided to invest on Premier League proven players like Jesus and Richarlison.”
Arsenal are known to be long-term admirers of David. Their interest in him dates back to his time in Belgium with Gent before he joined Lille in 2020. If the Gunners were to sign the forward, he would become the second attack-minded player that Edu has signed from the French side after first acquiring Nicolas Pepe in 2019, which ultimately failed to work out.
David has already scored nine goals in Ligue 1 this season. This puts him in the top five scorers in the division, as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe lead the rankings.
However, Balogun’s magnificent start to the season has highlighted why Arsenal already have a player like David in their ranks, as the Gunners’ loanee also ranks in Ligue 1’s top five goal scorers with eight goals.
He has performed well in the French top division since making a season-long loan switch to Reims in the summer transfer window. This has been proven by his impressive goal return.
Balogun can take great encouragement with his current loan move due to the previous striker Reims had in their ranks in Hugo Ekitike. The youngster was also a striker who was equipped with a lot of potential, which eventually saw him develop and land a mega-money move to Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain.
Ekitike was sold to European giants PSG for €35million (£30 million) at the age of 20. The youngster now lines up with Lionel Messi and Neymar for arguably the best team in world football.
The Frenchman's quick rise to becoming an excellent striker at just 20 years old highlights the quality development chance that Reims offers. Balogun can take inspiration from this and benefit from this crucial loan move, which is already paying dividends, and also highlighting why Arsenal do not need to pursue a deal for David.
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