Arsenal: 5 forwards in line for summer departures

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal (L) celebrates with teammate Nicolas Pepe after scoring their team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal (L) celebrates with teammate Nicolas Pepe after scoring their team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Flo
Sunderland’s Northern Irish midfielder Carl Winchester (L) vies with Arsenal’s English striker Folarin Balogun (R) during the English League Cup quarter-final football match between Arsenal and Sunderland. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

5. Folarin Balogun

A lot will depend on how Folarin Balogun fares between now and the end of the season: if he tears it up in the Championship, cements his place in the starting lineup and starts rippling the back of the net each week then he might be in with a shout of senior involvement at Arsenal next term.

Realistically, however, another loan move looks the likely outcome.

Once again, though, it could depend on other factors, such as whether or not Arsenal can bring in enough centre-forwards of their liking to fill up the squad. If Nketiah and Lacazette leave as expected then Balogun will be the only senior striker at the club. And he’s 20 years old. And he’s only got two Premier League appearances to his name.

The best thing for him and his development is to spend a full season – or at least another six months – back out on loan given Arsenal will be bringing one marquee name at No. 9 at least.

Balogun has a bright future (this writer thinks as a false nine) and keeping him in involved in first team football is essential to realising that potential.

Next. Arsenal's big summer transfer window midfield target. dark

Estimated outcome: Season-long loan away.