Mikel Arteta addresses Folarin Balogun’s long-term Arsenal future amid £50m price tag

Striker does not want another loan spell after success with Reims
Jonathan Gorrie14 July 2023

Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on Folarin Balogun’s long-term future at Arsenal.

The striker was handed a run out as the Gunners drew 1-1 with FC Nurnberg in the first official game of their pre-season schedule.

Balogun enjoyed a prolific loan spell with French side Reims last season, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions.

Such form has caught the attention of clubs in the Premier League as well as some in Europe, though the Gunners value their academy graduate at close to £50m.

The 22-year-old insisted he would not go out on loan again when quizzed on his future after scoring on his international debut for the United States against Canada to win the Concacaf Nations League last month.

Balogun either wants a permanent exit or to be integrated into the Arsenal first-team, where Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah compete for a starting central berth.

Speaking after the draw in Germany, Arteta said: “Well this is what he has been doing and that’s why we gave him the minutes that he deserves to show what he can do.

“He’s just staying here with us at the moment and we will see what happens.”

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