Folarin Balogun has revealed the role former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette played in the youngster's loan move to Ligue 1 outfit Stade Reims.
Balogun has scored five goals and provided a further two assists since moving to France on loan for the 2022/23 season after rejecting a number of Premier League rival proposals. Gunners legend Thierry Henry sent a message to the young striker asking what his goals were for the season, with Balogun visibly pleased to receive the support from one of his idols.
Lacazette left Arsenal on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract in the summer, returning to former side Lyon after six years in north London. Balogun fell down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, with the 21-year-old deciding to look for a loan move to continue his development and play regular first team football.
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Reims have had a tough start to the season after winning just one of their first six games in Ligue 1. The Arsenal loanee scored from the penalty spot in a 4-2 win against Angers, as well as bagging goals against Marseille, Clermont, Strasbourg and Lens.
Balogun discussed the role Lacazette played in convincing him to take up the offer of a loan spell in France. In an interview with Amazon Prime Video Sport, via The Mirror, the 21-year-old said: "He's [Lacazette] a great player.
"When he was at Arsenal he would always help me progress and improve, teaching me techniques and giving me advice. I remember speaking to Lacazette and he kept on telling me: 'you need to go to Ligue 1, you will do well here'.
"Maybe he should become my agent as well because he has a great knowledge of football!"
Balogun also spoke on the need to broaden his horizons with the move abroad as he looks to continue his development. Arsenal talent Emile Smith Rowe spent time at RB Leipzig before breaking into the Gunners' senior team, whilst the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles played at Roma last term and Reiss Nelson enjoyed stints in Germany and the Netherlands.
"I've spent my whole career in London so when I came here I knew it was going to be different, I didn't know the language and I'm still trying to learn – but for me, it's important to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself," Balogun added. "This is the reason I’m here and hopefully this decision will be good for me and pay off."
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