Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has claimed that all options remain open to him regarding his future as he reflected on his fast start to the season in Ligue 1 with French outlet L’Equipe.
The striker signed a four-year deal with the Gunners in 2021, which will run until 2025, and was sent out on loan to French side Stade des Reims as the Ligue 1 side sought a replacement for 35m euro export Hugo Ekitike.
And, while there was perhaps scepticism as to whether the England U21 international was up to the task, he has more than justified his move so far, netting six times in 10 outings, while he has also provided two assists.
Such form leaves him in joint 5th for the golden boot in France, and while Reims are underperforming in the competition, Balogun is undoubtedly a standout.
Only Kylian Mbappé and Neymar have more Ligue 1 goals than Reims’ Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun this season – here’s number 6 v Troyes. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️pic.twitter.com/8AYtekh9uO
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) October 5, 2022
But, though Balogun spoke only in glowing terms about Arsenal, he was less clear on where his future lay when speaking to French press.
“Arsenal is my family! For me, this club represents fraternity and unity”, he explained, before later adding:
“I remain focused on my objective of reaching the bar of ten goals as soon as possible, before setting myself others. But Ligue 1 being a very watched Championship, if I continue to perform, you never know what can happen.”
While there is little pressure over his contract at present, Arsenal are set to be handed a welcome headache should he return to north London, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both currently ahead of the 21-year-old in the forward pecking order.
