Why Arsenal allowed Balogun, not Nketiah to move abroad for loan stint - Transfer guru
Published: January 23, 2023
Premier League leaders, Arsenal have always planned on sending Nigeria-eligible striker, Folarin Balogun on loan and keep in-form Eddie Nketiah at the club.
This was disclosed by Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano who has proven to be an authority on transfer news across Europe.
Balogun is currently on a season-long loan deal at French Ligue 1 side, Reims, where he has scored eleven goals in nineteen appearances across all competitions this season.
The 21- year-old striker made ten career appearances for the Gunners before his current stint in the French top-flight.
Balogun was born to Nigerian parents and thus is eligible to play for the Super Eagles. He is also a target for the USA and England national teams.
In reference to Eddie Nketiah's brace on Sunday against Manchester United at the Emirates stadium, Romano on Monday, writing in the Daily Briefing exclusively for CaughtOffside, said:
"What a performance by Eddie Nketiah yesterday as his brace helped Arsenal to a 3-2 win over Manchester United!"
"Despite rumours, he was not close to leaving in the summer – Arsenal were clear in the plan to let Folarin Balogun leave on loan and keep Nketiah."
Romano explained further why the Arsenal hierarchy favoured Nketiah who is of Ghanaian heritage over the Super Eagles prospect.
"They have been very clear, Mikel Arteta was crucial in this process and they always trusted him, in particular the director Edu Gaspar. Now we can see the trust is paying off, he’s been in superb form to fill in for the injured (first choice striker) Gabriel Jesus."
Balogun is expected to return to Arsenal in the summer for the pre-season preparations ahead of the 2023/2004 campaign.
Izuchukwu Michael
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
- Super Eagles invitees Obaje, Hadi, Mohammed speak on fitness, Eric Chelle's philosophy and CHAN
- Lookman among the first players to arrive for Atalanta medicals despite transfer links
- 'Being considered' – Pafos official confirms Super Eagles CB Awaziem is a transfer target
- Confirmed: After opening Nigeria account at Wafcon, Liverpool alum joins AS Roma
- Report: Three-time African champions Raja interested in acquiring Super Eagles GK Nwabali
- Blackburn Rovers summer signing who looks up to Iwobi hints at picking Nigeria over England
- Nwaneri stays: Arsenal on the verge of tying down Chelsea-linked attacker after weekend talks
- The three Nigerian teenagers training with Arsenal first team in La Manga, Spain
- 'He was really good' – Mikel lauds Chelsea captain after midfield masterclass against PSG
- 'Man Utd not part of the conversation' – Fabrizio Romano reveals Osimhen's most likely destination


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- keo nha cai
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- F168
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88