Arsenal Striker Folarin Balogun Rules Out Loan Exit

Arsenal Striker Folarin Balogun Rules Out Loan Exit

Arsenal attacker Folarin Balogun has ruled out another loan move away from the Gunners, amid increasing speculation surrounding his future.

Balogun struggled to adjust to life in the senior Arsenal team, so he joined Middlesbrough on loan for the second part of the 2021-22 season, but he only scored three goals.

The 21-year-old then decided to test the waters in another country with a season-long loan to Ligue 1 club Reims, where he outperformed expectations under Oscar Garcia and Will Still.

Balogun scored 21 goals in the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, finishing fourth in the Golden Boot competition behind Kylian Mbappe (29), Alexandre Lacazette (27) and Jonathan David (24).

The striker is expected to return to Arsenal for pre-season, although his contract expires in 2025, and he is highly linked with a permanent move this summer.

A slew of big European clubs, including Napoli, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Monaco, and Marseille, are believed to be vying for the USA international’s signature in the current transfer window.

See Also: Real Madrid Confirm New Striker Signing On Loan From Espanyol

Speaking to reporters after scoring his first goal for the USA in their 2-0 CONCACAF Nations League final triumph over Canada, Balogun revealed that he was still unsure about his future, but he definitely stated that he would not consider another temporary move elsewhere.

“I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place,” he said as quoted by BBC

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.

“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”

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