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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta pushing player he thinks is 'special' towards the exit door
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have many tough transfer decisions to make over the summer including over players which he likes.
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Arsenal star Folarin Balogun is reportedly being pushed towards the Emirates exit doors with Mikel Arteta unable to provide the game-time the striker desires. The 21-year-old has impressed during a loan spell in Ligue 1 with Reims leading to ‘special’ praise from the Gunners boss however he has a significant decision to make in the summer with uncertainty surrounding his next career steps.
Balogun has taken France by storm since his loan arrival from the Emirates last summer. The young forward has netted 19 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions and currently sits third in the Ligue 1 scoring charts behind Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David.
Balogun’s form has led to some suggesting that he should be part of Arteta’s first-team plans next season however competition for the No 9 berth is fierce. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have both excelled when called upon this season and with both players contracted until 2027 the striker spot is unlikely to become free anytime soon. Leandro Trossard is also waiting in the wings, further restricting the Englishman’s path to match action.
Now, The Athletic report that Balogun’s attention has been drawn to opportunities abroad with Arsenal facing a bit decision over his future. Inter Milan, AC Milan and RB Leipzig are just a handful of the teams believed to be interested and the fact they can offer more regular match action is a big draw for the player.
In an ideal world, Balogun would like to remain at the Emirates but his current deal expires in 2025 and he has no intention of extending it at this time given the current situation. Another temporary switch also does not appeal meaning Arsenal now face a big decision over whether or not to sell and satisfy his first team wishes.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Arteta has been keen to praise Balogun for his loan performances, describing him as a ‘special’ player.
“I’m so happy for him,” Arteta said when asked about Balogun in February. “He’s a boy that has a really clear idea of what he wants to do with his career. He’s really ambitious, really committed and really brave.
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“We discussed a lot before he made that move whether it was the right place to go and the other choices he had. He was so convinced. I’m really happy for him because he deserves what he’s getting.
“When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special, that’s why we decided to give him a long-term contract and have faith in him.
“The plan is now he finishes his loan period, we assess the situation, where he is, where we are. Then we sit down and plan the next chapter in his career.”
It remains to be seen what decision Arsenal and Balogun make in the coming months but it looks increasingly likely that he is on his way to the exit door.