Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun established himself as one of Europe's most exciting young strikers last season.
Balogun enjoyed an excellent 2022/23 campaign on loan with Ligue 1 outfit Reims, netted 21 goals in Ligue 1. That tally was only bettered by Jonathan David, Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe - impressive reading when you consider that the USMNT international is only 22-years-old.
The talented youngster is said to want a guarantee of first team minutes next season, leaving his future with the Gunners in the balance considering their wealth of attacking options. So, football.london has taken a look at everything you need to know about his future at the Emirates Stadium below.
Milan dream
AC Milan's dream signing in attack is Arsenal star Balogun, according to Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio.
It is claimed that the Serie A giants are keen to bolster their frontline this summer, identifying the Hale End academy graduate as the perfect option. Milan have had a recent influx of cash thanks to their £60million sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United.
RB Leipzig twist
According to German outlet Bild, RB Leipzig could make a move for Balogun if their pursuit of RC Lens frontman Loïs Openda is unsuccessful.
The Bundesliga outfit are said to have had a fourth bid of €43.5 million (£37.2m) rejected by the Ligue 1 side, leaving Leipzig to consider an alternative to the Belgian centre-forward. A move for Balogun could then be the option for Leipzig, who had previously believed that the Gunners' price tag for the 22-year-old was too high.
football.london understands that Leipzig do indeed hold an interest in the striker, with Marco Rose's side in the market for a replacement for Christopher Nkunku following the Frenchman's move to Chelsea.
Crystal Palace among interested clubs
Journalist Ryan Taylor has provided an update on Balogun’s future, naming Crystal Palace as one of the USA international’s suitors, while a long list of clubs from elsewhere in Europe could also be in the race. Taylor told Give Me Sport: “They are looking at him, from what I understand.
"I’ve had conversations about Balogun’s future. There are a lot of clubs informed on his situation.
“Palace are one, Inter Milan, Monaco, Marseille, Leipzig, AC Milan, but I think ultimately, the price tag’s going to prove complicated for a lot of these clubs because Arsenal know he’s a really talented player.”
Chelsea talks
Balogun's representatives have reportedly held surprising talks with Chelsea over the possibility of the 22-year-old joining the club.
According to Footballtransfers.com, Balogun's management have 'touched base' with the Gunners' London rivals.
Fresh price tag
Arsenal will now demand £50m for Balogun this summer. The Gunners had previously wanted £35m for the forward, but after learning of the 22-year-old's not to leave on loan again, any potential suitors will have to cough up an extra £15m.
Decision hint
Balogun has teased that a decision over his future is close to being decided. On Twitter on June 30, the striker wrote: "It is time!" The tweet was sent at 6am, from Enfield, London, hinting talks with the club could be imminent.
Marseille interest
Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are reportedly keen on Balogun this summer. According to L'Equipe, the French side accept that the USMNT striker will be expensive. Les Phoceens reportedly want a new partner for ex-Arsenal man Alexis Sanchez.
RB Leipzig issue
German side RB Leipzig are said to be exploring other options this summer after a £35million ($44.5m) price tag was slapped on the forward. It is reported that the price has put them off pushing further for Balogun this window.
Kai Havertz issue
The deal to sign Kai Havertz from Arsenal has handed a massive dilemma to Balogun, who now appears to be fourth choice for the striker role.
Havertz is set to join for £65million ($82m) on a long-term deal as Arteta looks to add depth and quality to his squad. It is yet another player to fight for first team minutes with, though, for Balogun.
Loan choice made
Balogun has come out in full force, confirming that he will not be heading out on loan this summer. Speaking after scoring his first goal for USMNT he said on his future: "What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again.
"I'm not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family."
USMNT decision
Folarin Balogun has decided to confirm his international allegiance to the USMNT. The striker was eligible to represent England or the United States after being born in New York.
His switch to the USA team could play a part in his decision-making over his future. If the striker is to become a regular on the international stage, he will need to be playing regularly.
Price tag set
Arsenal will demand £35m for Balogun this summer, according to Sky Sport Germany.
The Gunners will test the resolve of any interested parties due to their preference to test him in pre-season ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Ligue 1 interest
Despite having Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun at their disposal, Arsenal are reportedly planning a move for Montpellier forward Elye Wahi.
The 20-year-old has scored over 30 Ligue 1 goals and has attracted interest from Europe.
European hunt
AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille and AS Monaco are all in the race for Balogun's signature this summer, according to The Athletic.
Serie A champions Napoli are also monitoring the situation as they potentially look for a replacement for Victor Osimhen.
Crunch talks
Balogun's performances in France have resulted in a number of clubs being interested in his services. According to 90min, the striker will hold crunch talks over his future in the summer.
The outcome of these talks appear likely to be a move elsewhere. Balogun wants first-team assurances and is said to not be keen on another loan spell.
Future uncertainty
Back in March, Balogun spoke about his plans for the summer transfer window amid continued speculation surrounding his future.
"Contractually I have to go back," he told the official Ligue 1 website. "Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn't, um, I'm not sure what is going to happen in the future.
"A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we'll see what happens."
Arteta stance
Back in February, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ruled out to provide any indication of his plan on Balogun over the summer. "The plan is that he finishes his period there, assess the situation where he is, where we are, then sit down and plan the next chapter in his developing career," the Gunners boss said of Balogun.
"[I am] So happy for him," the Spaniard added. "He's a boy with a really clear idea of what he wants to do in his career, really ambitious, really committed and he's really brave. We discussed before whether it was the right place to go and other choices that he had. He was so convinced and I'm really happy for him because he deserves what he's getting.
"He's got something special. That's why we gave him a long-term contract and have faith in him, and give him the long period that he's having now, because the period he's having now is different to the one before at Middlesbrough."
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