Fulham are claimed to be eyeing a move to sign Folarin Balogun from Arsenal this summer, with the Cottagers closing in on Premier League promotion at present.
The Lily Whites need just three points from their remaining five Championship matches, or for Nottingham Forest to drop three or more points from their remaining six outings, for their Premier League promotion to be confirmed ahead of next season, while they have a nine-point cushion over Bournemouth as they look to be crowned champions also.
With it now looking extremely unlikely that they won’t find themselves in the top division next season, they are already claimed to be looking towards the summer transfer window, and one player that MailPlus claims that they have taken a liking to is Balogun.
The Arsenal youngster joined Middlesbrough on loan in January, and earned his way into a regular role, putting in a number of impressive displays. While he hasn’t quite struck it hot in front of goal, he has three goals and two assists from his 15 league outings, but his overall performance level has been rather consistent.
Despite the fact that Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are set to leave the club at the end of their respective contracts this summer, a first-team role at Arsenal for Balogun still seems an unlikely scenario, and a loan in the Premier League for the new season could well be the best thing for his progress.
With a top strike-option expected to be a priority this summer, and the possible signing of a second striker also, Flo could well pick up less minutes than Nketiah has this year, and that would hardly be ideal for his progression.
Do you think a loan to a Premier League side next season would be best for Flo, or should he be kept in north London for next season?
Patrick
Well MAs zero rotation policy is a nightmare for any youth trying to gain experience,so I’d say yes.
Depends on the strikers we sign in the Summer.
Ballogun isn’t pulling up any trees. Cant even get in starting line up
He’s hardly set the World alight at Middlesbrough playing in the Championship…having only managed 3 goals and two assists.He clearly needs more time and more competitive matches which he will not get if he goes back to Arsenal on a permanent basis.
Not scoring or not assisting, that will put him in good company in this squad and football style.
Arsenal had better give him a few cup matches next season. If he still can’t make it, he should be sold or loaned out again in January
Gentlemen said it all.
Depends on who we sign, do we have Europe or not and what Balogun would do until next season.
For me he is talented, won’t sell without replacement and a ridiculous offer.
If I was the manager and I signed one striker, I would start giving him minutes, even as a winger if I have to. However, knowing MA, he will play Xhaka as no.9 before giving him a chance and will make substitution in 88th minute.
Thank God you ain’t our coach,
You guys just say things to suit your selves,
With what Balogun has played, be true to yourself, is he worth starting for Arsenal FC? Also consider, a lot have changed since Wenger day’s,
We barely have the NO 10 role in the EPL and the NO 9 role is Gradually fading .
Can Balogun even do this in the cup games? It’s a no,
He needs to be loaned out.
He should go on loan to gain in confidence. He’s still psychologically traumatized by the new environment.
He must play in the championship or with a team that can help with regular playing time to develop faster
Damn, Håland to City.
Pep finally got his tall, commanding striker.
That’s the reason Pep hasn’t won anything in the past 5 years because he didn’t have a tall commanding striker.
Another loan spell would do a world of good.
Not fussed.
Hardly sets the world alight does he!?
Loan spell might help because he cant be considered Arsenal first team quality.
Let Pepe, join him on loan
Until we get a manager that will play him, you mean?
Can we send Arteta on loan?
Send the plastic fans as well.