Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Bailey Keogh

Edu's key Hale End asset repeats Eddie Nketiah Arsenal path amid impressive England goal return

Arsenal finished the summer transfer window with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the forward options going into the season. A lot of pressure will be placed on both forwards with a heavy fixture schedule due to the Europa League.

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.

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 high-flying in Ligue 1, and this has also now been replicated at an international level, as the youngster continues to thrive for England Under-21s.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta's new Gabriel Jesus Arsenal plan at risk amid shock Liverpool swap deal offer

Balogun scored an impressive goal against Germany on Tuesday evening as the young Three Lions came from behind to win 3-1. Balogun's well-taken goal levelled the scoreline as he proved to be the catalyst to his team’s victory.

The 21-year-old is following a similar path to Eddie Nketiah, in terms of his England Under-21s domination. Nketiah is the all-time top scorer for his nation having scored 14 goals, as he was consistently tasked with leading the line.

This is now the case with Balogun, who is now starting striker for England and has scored seven goals in the process. This can give the youngster encouragement for his Arsenal breakthrough, as Nketiah's England success gave him the extra recognition to knock on the first team door at London Colney

Balogun has also dominated the top French division since making a season-long loan switch to Reims in the summer transfer window. This has been proven by his impressive goal return, scoring five goals in the league so far.

With this continued trajectory, Balogun is proving to be a crucial asset for the Gunners, meaning Arteta could bring him back into the team ahead of next season.

READ NEXT:

Mikel Arteta facing nightmare Tottenham scenario as Arsenal handed six-man injury crisis

Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney - Arsenal injury news ahead of Tottenham clash

Four key Arsenal stars miss training as Mikel Arteta eyes surprise inclusion for Tottenham clash

The seven Arsenal players confirmed to miss World Cup 2022 - and the surprise wildcard contender

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.