Will Arsenal signing a top striker depend on whether Balogun signs a contrat extension?

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project is still without his dream striker, according to the Evening Standard.

With Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun (who has been outstanding in Ligue 1), and even the versatile Leandro Trossard, some think Arteta has his attack covered. However, Simon Collings in the Standard hints that Arsenal could sell Balogun, after which a deal for a tall, powerful striker will be prioritised.

With just two years left on his contract at Arsenal, keeping Balogun at the Emirates may hinge on whether he signs a contract extension when he returns in the summer, but if he is sold we should get a good enough amount to invest in a top replacement.

“Balogun can play anywhere across the forward line, which makes him an attractive option, however his departure would allow Arsenal to target a more physical striker,” writes the Evening Standard in a report that addressed at length Folarin Balogun’s future.

“Signing a tall, powerful striker would add a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack.”

Arsenal’s scouts already have a list of Arteta’s perfect strikers, whom they are keenly watching. Some of the notable names on this list include Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dusan Vlahovic, Tammy Abraham, and Victor Osimhen.

The preposterous number of goals Erling Haaland has scored has undoubtedly inspired Manchester City’s rivals to consider signing a player in the Norwegian’s mould, so Mikel Arteta’s decision to shake up his attack is understandable.

Many may wonder what happens to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah when a new target man is acquired. There is no rule against Arteta using a front two, other than that Jesus, Nketiah, and even Balogun are versatile enough to play from the wings.

Anyway, with the numerous competitions, Arsenal will enter next season to win; squad rotation may be critical, so opportunities to perform will be plentiful.

Tags Folarin Balogun

10 Comments

  1. Balogun still has several years in his contract, so I don’t think Arsenal will offer him an improved one as he hasn’t performed well in EPL yet

    I guess Arsenal will only sign a top CF if they ship Nketiah and Balogun out

  2. The stats blog Whoscored.com aren’t very impressed with Balogun citing his strengths as “Finishing” (obviously), and his weaknesses: “Passing; Offside awareness; Aerial duels; Holding onto the ball; Defensive contributions”.
    These are not my own opinions as I myself have never seen him play anywhere in the world so would not even suggest his worth as an Arsenal forward, but let’s see how he shapes up pre-season, then judge his potential.

    1. I have watched on TV a lot of games of Balogun;the description from above are exactly as I see him;he is a very fast “poacher”but offer more than Nketiah,so if he stays he will replace Eddie.Maybe another loan will be beneficial for all.

  3. Not sure what all this noise and fanfare about , the kid need another season on loan to hone his skills.

    Yes he’s moving in the right direction and we should not disrupt that .

  4. My personal opinion is that he should be loaned to a Premier League side. If he refuses, then he should be sold.

    That being said, I am confident that the gaffer will take a look at him in pre-season and make the right decision.

  5. I would lean towards selling Eddie Nketiah when we can get a good price, make Balogun backup striker so he will re-sign, and go get a Saka backup (if Marquinhos is not ready, and Nelson leaves probably). If 2 spots need immediate upgrade this summer, it would be 2 midfielders who can back up Partey and Xhaka (Fabio can be groomed as Ode backup). Tierney will need replacing if he leaves too. Need some clear out before we add more top class talent

  6. Balogun is versatile and his performances in the French league have been encouraging. However, if he doesnt sign a new contract, I think Arsenal should sell him and go in for a full fledged striker.

  7. I would bring Balogan back in the squad to show what he can do. At the same time with Jesus , Eddie Balogan and scoring contributions from Saka, Martinelli and Trossard, Arsenal can afford to focus their energy and finances on securing a top class mid fielder and wing back.

  8. We need a 15 plus goals striker, coz we need goals like Wenger did adebayor who was gud in pressurlising defenders wit his pase which is lacking nw n girud too was gud in arial balls so we need a physical striker pliz

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