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By Anthony Nlebem.
Former Arsenal star William Gallas has urged on-loan striker Folarin Balogun to return to the Emirates when his loan deal with French Ligue 1 side Reims expires at the end of the season.
The New York-born footballer of Nigerian descent has excelled on loan at Reims, with his loan deal ending at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 21-year-old has netted 18 goals, with only Jonathan David, Alexandre Lacazette (both 19 goals) and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe (20 goals) out-scoring him in Ligue 1 this season.
However, there have not been any contract talks between the forward and the club.
Balogun has not shown interest in returning to the Emirates Stadium next season, except he is guaranteed a starting role as he does not want to play third fiddle behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
The former Middlesbrough forward’s contract with Arsenal ends in June 2025, and former Arsenal captain Gallas advised the youngster to remain at the Emirates and fight for a first-team place, just as William Saliba fought his way into the starting 11.
“I don’t think Balogun will start for Arsenal with Jesus at the club,” Gallas told Genting Casino.
“He is only 21 years, you see some players who don’t understand what it takes to play for a club like Arsenal, or what they can bring him.
“If he stays at Arsenal he will train with players better than at Reims. His football will improve.
“I’m sure even if he’s a second choice he will get chances. It will be up to him to show what he can do.
“Sometimes players think they should be starting early. But take it slowly.
“If he doesn’t go back to Arsenal, maybe he will go on loan again. Look at Saliba. He came back, and he’s performing.
“He has to be patient, and if he gets the chance to come back he should. He can show what he can do when he gets a chance.”
Balogun has been linked with a summer transfer with RB Leipzig interested in signing the sensational forward.
With Balogun still keen to continue playing regular first-team football, Arsenal might be tempted to sell the forward in the summer transfer window as the Gunners value him above £30m.