BY ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Six-time French top-flight champions Stade de Reims have confirmed that they are working on a deal to sign Arsenal’s Nigeria-eligible centre-forward Folarin Balogun in the summer transfer window.
Jean-Pierre Caillot, president of Reims, is hopeful of completing a deal with Arsenal that would see the England U21 international spend the entirety of the 2022-2023 season on loan at the Ligue 1 club.
Balogun was not given minutes in Arsenal’s last five pre-season fixtures, fueling speculation that he is not in the plans of manager Mikel Arteta for the forthcoming season and a loan deal is imminent.
Reims are looking to sign the Hale End Academy graduate as a replacement for Hugo Ekitike who moved to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
“He is of interest to us in the form of a loan. Even if the finalization of this file is a little slow, we remain on the alert, “Jean-Pierre Caillot told reporters.
Balogun returned to Arsenal after a successful loan to Middlesbrough in January where he made twenty-one appearances in all competitions, contributing to six goals which include three goals and three assists.
However, chances of a regular game-time are not guaranteed with the Gunners’ signing of Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus and the renewal of fellow Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah’s contract.
Balogun signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal in 2021 has made ten total appearances for the first team.
Meanwhile, England youth international of Nigerian descent Ethan Nwaneri received praises from Slough Town manager Neil Baker after his impressive performance for Arsenal U18s in their 1-0 loss to The Rebels in a pre-season friendly at the weekend.
The only goal of the game arrived in the fifth minute as Ben Harris guided the ball home after a mistake from the Arsenal defence.
Nwaneri could have scored an equaliser in the closing minutes but was denied by brilliant goalkeeping display by Jonathan North, who got a hand to a curving free-kick.
The attacking midfielder has already been identified as a player with potential so much so that he’s already playing up his age group for both Arsenal and the Young Lions.
An England U16 international, the 15-year-old Nwaneri has totaled six appearances for Arsenal in the U18 Premier League, scoring three goals.
Speaking to Slough Town’s official website post-match, Baker said on Nwaneri : “They passed the ball well. Their number 10 has got great feet.
“He’s a real youngster, I think he’s a real high hope for them at Arsenal, and he’s got absolutely unbelievable ability”.
Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal U18s face London rivals Chelsea in their first competitive game of the 2022-2023 season on August 13.
