Arsenal have no plans to recall Folarin Balogun from his loan spell with Reims in January, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old has been impressive in Ligue 1 this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances. However, Balogun has yet to make an impact with the Arsenal first team, having scored just two goals in 10 senior matches.
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Gabriel Jesus’ injury has led to speculation that Balogun may be brought back to the Emirates to cover, but Romano suggests that the club have no intention of doing so.
Arsenal are expected to be without Jesus for around three months after he underwent knee surgery following his injury on international duty with Brazil. This leaves Eddie Nketiah as the only senior striker available to Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners having no plans to sign a new forward in the January transfer window.
The club’s priorities are reportedly a new midfielder and winger, but they may be forced to reassess their plans if Jesus’ recovery takes longer than expected.
Despite his impressive form with Reims, Balogun is expected to remain in France for the rest of the season. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a number of prolific seasons at youth level, but is yet to transfer that form to the senior team.
He has made just two appearances in the Premier League, both coming in last season’s opening defeats to Brentford and Chelsea. Arteta has suggested that the club will be “very active” in the transfer market this winter in an effort to improve the squad.
