'Could compete with Nketiah, Jesus' - Ex- Man Utd star reckons Balogun has future at Arsenal 

Former Manchester United and Arsenal star Mikaël Silvestre reckons that Folarin Balogun has a future at Arsenal. 

The England U21 international of Nigerian descent was loaned out to Stade de Reims last summer in a bid to improve his chances of playing first-team football on a regular basis. 

The signing of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah performing a contract U-turn meant Balogun started pre-season as the third choice striker at the Emirates Stadium. 

Unbeaten in sixteen matches on the bounce, Reims' good form has been inspired by Balogun, who is leading the French Ligue 1 scoring charts with fifteen goals - the same tally as Lille's Jonathan David and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe. 

Balogun's haul has not been achieved by any Arsenal striker this season, a good reason for Silvestre to believe that Balogun can shine for Arsenal next season. 

"Balogun can come back to Arsenal and shine at the club. I’m sure of it. I’ve seen enough this year in Ligue 1," Silvestre said to bettingexpert.com.

"I know the Premier League is one step higher but he’s the leading goalscorer in Ligue 1 and it’s not an accident."

Arsenal, who are currently topping the table, are almost certain to return to the UEFA Champions League and would be aiming to challenge for the Premier League title next season. 

Silvestre suggested that Balogun is good enough to provide competition for Nketiah and Jesus 

"He’s reading things well and getting better and better. I think he has a future at Arsenal and could be competing with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus.

"If Arsenal want to be competing for trophies one more striker would be a good luxury. Next season I would keep him."

Since making his professional debut against Dundalk in the Europa League, Balogun has totaled ten appearances for the Gunners and has scored two goals. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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