- Striker starred on loam at Reims last season
- Being linked with clubs across Europe
- Gunners have a big decision to make
WHAT HAPPENED? The 22-year-old striker is generating plenty of speculation during the summer window, with leading clubs from across Europe – such as Inter, RB Leipzig and Chelsea – being linked with big-money approaches. Arsenal have welcomed Balogun back from a 21-goal loan spell at Reims and are involving him in their pre-season preparations. The talented frontman has said that he does not want to make another temporary move away from north London, but Alan Knill believes that may be the best option for all concerned.
WHAT THEY SAID: Knill, who was assistant manager at Middlesbrough during Balogun’s loan spell on Teesside in 2021-22, has told Sky Sports of the potential that Arsenal are running the risk of allowing to slip through their grasp: “Middlesbrough, as a learning experience, was huge for him, and he has gone on to do really well on his second loan. For me, he now looks ready for the Premier League. Of course, he wants to play. Maybe there's another loan. But I don't think you let him go.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Balogun only hit three goals through 20 appearances for Boro, but they helped him to become the destructive No.9 that he now is for club and country. Knill added on that process: “We had a lot of conversations about it. He saw himself as a No.9 but I thought, physically, he was probably not strong enough for the hold-up play. It wasn't quite there against the kinds of defenders he was up against, but the idea was there. We were sure that, as he got older, more powerful and grew into his body more, those attributes would come, because he already saw the idea of where to move and where the space was. He understood the position.”
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GettyWHAT NEXT? Arsenal are now said to be demanding £50 million ($64m) from any deal involving Balogun, as he remains tied to a contract at Emirates Stadium through to 2025, with Mikel Arteta admitting that no decision has been made as yet when it comes to the youngster’s future with the Gunners.