Mikel Arteta wants to add a new attacker to his squad in an effort to aid Arsenal's Premier League title challenge. Gabriel Jesus' knee injury has left just Eddie Nketiah as the Gunners' only senior striker.
Folarin Balogun was sent out on loan at the start of the season as he completed a switch to Stade Reims in France. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far - scoring 10 goals and providing a further two assists in just 16 appearances.
Only Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have scored more goals in the French top division than the Arsenal loanee who continues to impress in Ligue 1. Balogun's performances this term have caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe, which could see the north Londoners benefit upon his return this summer.
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The Gunners are prioritising a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk and reports suggest the north London outfit are edging closer to an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk over a fee for the forward.. Arteta reiterated the importance of not losing ground to their rivals this month, sending a transfer message to the club's hierarchy to bring him what he needs in the January transfer window.
Speaking after the goalless draw with Newcastle he made his position on the matter clear. “It’s something more for Edu and the board to respond to,” Arteta said. “We are really trying to improve the squad in every window, this is no different."
Added competition in attack could limit Balogun's chances of forcing his way into Arteta's plans upon his return to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season. Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter are both set to fight for the 21-year-old's signature in the summer, with Edu demanding a fee of €40million (£34m) for the talented striker, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
This valuation may rise further should Balogun continue his amazing form for Reims, despite CIES Football Observatory valuing the youngster at just €10million (£8.8million).
The arrival of Jesus pushed Balogun further down the pecking order at Arsenal, with the club opting to send him out on loan to continue his development, but if opportunities are hard to come by when he returns, he could look to leave the club with the chance to move to Italy seemingly available in the summer.
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