‘A lot could change’ Overperforming Arsenal star refuses to rule out Gunners exit this summer
Folarin Balogun has refused to rule out a summer transfer away from Arsenal, despite European interest.
This season in Ligue 1, the 21-year-old has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances for Will Still’s Reims side.
AC Milan is rumored to be one of a number of European clubs interested in Balogun, and he has left the door open to a move by stating that “a lot could change.”
Asked if he will be returning to Emirates Stadium, Balogun told Ligue 1 official website: “Yeah, I mean, contractually I have to go back.
“Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn’t, I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
“A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.”
Asked if a return to Ligue 1 could be on the cards, Balogun added: “Yeah, I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here.
“So, yeah, I mean I don’t know what the future will bring. But definitely I would advise young players to come out here. It’s a really, really tough league, a league that will help you to improve.
“You get to play in crazy atmospheres. If you’re ready to take yourself out of your comfort zone, I would advise any young player, I would advise any young player to come here.’
Balogun has made two Premier League appearances, having started Arsenal’s 2-0 opening-day loss to Brentford last season.
When his loan in France expires at the end of the season, the youngster will return to north London but will face stiff competition for playing time.
Next season, he will compete with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Leandro Trossard for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Balogun’s international future is also uncertain, as the United States is eager to acquire him from England.
He has been photographed in the United States, where he was born, attending Orlando Magic basketball games and New York Yankees baseball games.
Gareth Southgate, manager of the Three Lions, has urged Balogun to be patient if he wishes to represent England.
‘A lot could change’ Overperforming Arsenal star refuses to rule out Gunners exit this summer
