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5 clubs that could sign Folarin Balogun this summer
Arsenal have a very big decision to make this summer regarding the future of blossoming young striker Folarin Balogun.
Following an indifferent spell at Middlesbrough last season, the 21-year-old opted to explore continental waters in 2022/23 as the Gunners loaned him to Ligue 1 outfit Reims.
He’s since evolved into one of the stories of the season so far.
Balogun has manifested the talent that so many within the club foreshadowed to shine at a senior level when he was tearing it up in Arsenal’s youth ranks. Only Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David have scored more Ligue 1 goals than the Gunners loanee (17) in the French top flight this term, with Balogun’s goals and Will Still’s magic on the sideline currently leaving Reims ninth in the table ahead of the final stretch.
The 21-year-old will return to Arsenal this summer, but there’s not a chance the club will head into 2023/24 (hopefully as champions) with Balogun, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus on their books.
The Gunners will not consider selling Jesus, while Nketiah was signed to a bumper new contract last year. With Balogun’s stock rising at an exponential rate, it’d be smart for Arsenal to cash in should a suitable offer come in.
5 clubs that could sign Folarin Balogun this summer
But, who could be in for the English sharpshooter this summer? Here are five potential suitors.
1. Napoli
Napoli are all but assured of the Scudetto, and the Champions League draw means they have a great shot of conquering Europe, too.
Victor Osimhen has emerged as the continent’s standout striker not called Erling Haaland this term, with his 21 goals set to propel Napoli to their first league title since Diego Maradona left town. The Nigerian is nothing short of a phenom, and Man Utd are poised to come calling at the end of the campaign.
While Kvicha Kvaratskhelia is likely to remain, they’ll find it hard to retain Osimhen – who has previously spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League. And while the Neapolitans have Giacomo Raspadori on their books, there’s no way they’ll let Osimhen depart without signing a replacement.
Thus, Balogun could be an astute choice and, for Arsenal, presuming they get big money for their star Nigerian striker, the Italian club might be willing to spend a few quid to bring the 21-year-old to Naples.
Continued on the next slide…