On-loan Gunner Balogun lifts the lid on how his move to Reims came about

Folarin Balogun has revealed how his move to six-time French top-flight champions Stade de Reims came about.

The England U21 international of Nigerian descent joined the Red and Whites on a season-long loan last summer with no option to buy included in the agreement.

At least two Premier League teams, plus clubs in Germany and France explored the possibility of signing Balogun but the striker opted to join Reims.

Following the departure of Hugo Ekitike to FC Paris Saint-Germain, Reims made a move for the American-born center forward as his replacement.

Balogun's decision to join Reims has paid off as he is having his best season since turning professional, with sixteen goals in 26 matches across all competitions.

"I was talking with my agent and at the time I had several different opportunities in England, Germany and France," Balogun explained to Onze Mondial.

"He showed me all the offers and gave me his opinion, I also took my own opinion into account. I make my decisions alone and I decided that France would be the best option for me.

"I knew it was going to be difficult and there were a lot of risks, but I have a lot of confidence in myself. When I make a decision and focus on it, there's no reason it shouldn't work."

Arsenal, Balogun's parent club, are obviously delighted with the progress of their academy product at Stade de Reims and are set to make a decision on his future at the end of the season, whether to keep, sell or loan him out again.

The 21-year-old has not figured for the Gunners' first team since December 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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