Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun continues to light up Ligue 1 with Reims

Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun is loving life in France and he scored again at the weekend in Reims’ 2-2 draw with Troyes in Ligue 1.

With the Gunners boasting a pair of superior striking options heading into the 2022/23 season, the decision was made to loan the promising Balogun out so he can earn regular minutes at a senior level.

The young striker rarely featured for Mikel Arteta despite starring in the youth ranks, but he did make his first Premier League start on opening night last season in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford.

Balogun ended 2021/22 in the second tier with Middlesbrough and he’s now found his feet at Reims.

Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun continues to light up Ligue 1 with Reims

https://twitter.com/StadeDeReims/status/1576561502244438017

After overseeing the departure of Hugo Ekitike to Paris Saint-Germain, Reims opted to move for Arsenal’s Balogun and the 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season.

The striker has appeared in all nine of Reims’ Ligue 1 games, starting seven, and is currently averaging a goal contribution every 74.875 minutes. After opening the scoring against Troyes on Sunday, Balogun has now scored six league goals and notched two assists.

Unfortunately, though, Balogun’s goals have often come in vain with Reims currently languishing in 17th. They’ve won just once this season and have picked up seven points through nine games. Remarkably, Balogun’s side have been reduced to ten men in six of their outings which makes the striker’s prolific start all the more impressive.

According to Opta Jean, Balogun has scored more goals than any other player born in the 21st century among Europe’s top five leagues this season. Starboy.

His loan to France will do the 21-year-old a world of good. He looked far from ready on his Premier League debut at the start of last season, but his spell at Reims will undoubtedly see him mature and hone his craft.