Reims chief admits Arsenal striker Balogun was monitored for two years before transfer

Mathieu Lacour, general director of Reims, has revealed that Super Eagles-eligible striker Folarin Balogun was extensively monitored before his imminent transfer to the French Ligue 1 club.

Balogun had attracted interest from clubs in the EFL Championship but has decided to continue his development at the six-time French champions and Reims are expected to confirm his transfer in the coming days if not hours.

Reims have an excellent relationship with Balogun's agency, Elite Project Group Limited and it helped broker the deal.

Another Elite Project Group client, former Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo was loaned out to Reims for the 2018-2019 season.

"He's a player with potential, quick and opportunistic. We have been following him for over two years," Lacour said to L'Union.

He added : "Arsenal know our club who finished ahead of them in the rankings of the youngest teams in Europe and of the youngest players to score at continental level.

"His agents had other options for the player, but agreed to a loan."

Balogun is expected to return to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the 2022-2023 season as no option to buy was included in his loan deal with Reims.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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