Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun currently has no plan to sign a new contract at the club amid speculation surrounding his future, according to a report.
The 21-year-old had a reputation as a prolific marksman for the Gunners as a junior player, but he struggled to make an impact as a senior player.
Balogun is unexpectedly vying for the Ligue 1 Golden Boot during a spectacular loan stay at Reims after a disappointing loan spell at Middlesbrough in the second half of last season.
The England Under-21 international has scored 18 goals in 29 Premier League games for Will Still’s side, with his most recent effort coming in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brest.
Only Lille’s Jonathan David and Paris Saint-Kylian Germain’s Mbappe (19 goals) have scored more than Balogun this season in Ligue 1, while ex-Arsenal man Alexandre Lacazette has also scored 18 goals for Lyon.
Reims is making a late dash for European football thanks to Balogun’s achievements, but Les Rouges et Blancs’ president has ruled out a permanent move this summer as “impossible.”
As a result, the striker is expected to return to Arsenal at the end of the season, but his future remains uncertain as his contract expires in 2025.
According to The Athletic, Balogun has no plans to extend his Emirates contract at the moment, as a slew of European clubs battle for his signature in the upcoming transfer window.
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AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille, and Monaco are all said to be interested in signing Balogun, who has emerged as Lille’s top alternative for David.
The New York-born striker still hopes to lead Arsenal’s line in 2023-24, but his chances of climbing above Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order are slim.
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