Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder suggests Balogun should snub permanent Reims move 

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has suggested that Folarin Balogun should snub a permanent transfer to Stade de Reims, saying that he's not sure it would be a good move for the center forward. 

It has been claimed that Reims want to turn Balogun's loan deal into a permanent one following his fine start to life in the Ligue 1.

The Hale End Academy product  arrived at Reims in August, with no option to buy and recall clause included in the deal taking him to the six-time French champions.

Balogun would be competing with Eddie Nketiah for the backup striker to Gabriel Jesus in the event that he returns to the Emirates Stadium as expected next summer. 

"Nketiah will be looking over his shoulder with Balogun playing so well. We are seeing what Balogun can do at Reims, he’s doing very well," Petit, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, said to compare.bet.

"If I’m not mistaken, Reims want to buy him, and they are thinking of putting the money on the table. I’m not sure that would be very good for Balogun.

"Time will tell to see what he does, but being away from Arsenal on loan is good for him, playing week in, week out."

With six goals to his name from nine appearances, Balogun is the joint-topscoring player of Nigerian descent in Europe's top five leagues this season, along with Lorient's Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi. 

Balogun signed a new deal with Arsenal in April 2021, keeping him at the north London club until 2025.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com