In a recent report, The Daily Mail mentioned that Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun is close to joining Reims on loan this summer. It has been stated that the Gunners are willing to sanction the English striker’s loan departure as they believe that such a move will aid his development.
Balogun’s Decent Loan Spell At The Riverside Stadium
Balogun had a fruitful loan spell at Middlesbrough last season when he managed to put in a few productive displays as the focal point of their attack. The 21-year-old scored three times and earned three assists in 21 matches for the English club in the previous campaign in various competitions.
The English youngster led the line well by averaging 1.4 shots, 0.5 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the EFL Championship. Balogun even linked up play well with others around him as he made 80.7% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
Arsenal Forward Balogun Close To Joining Reims On Loan: Good Move For Everyone Involved?
Balogun can create a yard of space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal. The English talent can create some inviting chances for his teammates when he is playing well on the pitch. Balogun is primarily a centre-forward but can even fill in as a winger on either flank if required. He is even proficient at making a few promising runs in behind the opposition backline.
At 21, Balogun has the potential to become a future starter at the Emirates Stadium as long as he continues to take strides toward improving himself over the next couple of seasons.
At the moment, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta simply cannot afford to offer him regular playing opportunities. Therefore, it is only logical for the Gunners to send him out on loan to further his development.
Arteta would hope that Balogun can come back as a much better version of himself next summer. The youngster will also enjoy playing regular football in French football. With all things considered, Balogun’s loan move to Reims will be a good move for both the player and the North London club before the start of the new campaign.
