Folarin Balogun probably didn't envisage him to be the subject of intensifying interest from a host of top European clubs a year ago, but that's the exact scenario he finds himself in today.
Following a number of impressive displays on loan at Stade de Reims where he has become the joint Ligue 1 top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David with 15 goals, Balogun is now a wanted man ahead of the summer transfer window, casting some doubt over his Arsenal future.
Prior to his switch to France, Balogun struggled to stamp down a place in the Arsenal first-team and endured a tough loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, scoring just three goals in 21 appearances. Ready for a new challenge, Balogun previously spoke about the advice he had received from Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka before emphasising his desire to improve.
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"I speak to Emile and Bukayo a lot," he said. "They tell me to be patient. They tell me it is not an overnight thing, which it hasn't been for them. It would be naive for me to think that. You just have to keep practicing, then you see the rewards and when you are ready you will take the opportunity. I know I am not at the level I want to be, but I know the performances I am putting in. I know I am going in the right direction."
Speaking to the press a couple of weeks ago, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta expressed his delight over Balogun's progress and confirmed that a decision over his future would be made at the end of the season.
"So happy for him," Arteta began. "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. 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 prospect of having a much-improved Balogun compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the Arsenal attack next season is certainly an exciting one on paper, but whether or not the Hale End product is willing to fight for his place in north London is another matter.
With the 21-year-old proving he has what it takes to start - and contribute - at senior level, Balogun will likely want a guarantee of regular game time at the Emirates, which could prove difficult. It is something, however, the likes of AC Milan, Inter, Villarreal and Marseille can offer. They are just some of the clubs reportedly showing an interest in Balogun, with Arsenal setting a £35million valuation, according to pianetamilan.it.
Meanwhile, Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted that it will be 'impossible' for the French outfit to sign Balogun on loan for an additional season, as he views a transfer to a 'high-level club' more realistic.
Speaking to France Bleu, Caillot said: "I think it's impossible (that Balogun will return on loan next season). The rules of the game are very clear: these are boys who, when they join us, know that they are there to reveal themselves and this is a stage for them.
"So even if I don't decide for him, either Folarin will return to his club Arsenal to have his chance, or he will be loaned out again or even transferred to a very high-level club. He is a player who must go even higher.
"So obviously, we will ask the question to him, who feels good here, and to his club but I think that today he will have to take a step. We are already working on the future 'Balogun' the day he will be taken to leave the club. But hey, if he and his club agree to do another year at Stade de Reims, we will do everything to make it happen."
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