Report: ‘Unbelievable’ Arsenal talent eyed by European club to replace £30m Newcastle target

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Stade de Reims are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal talent Folarin Balogun as a replacement for former Newcastle United target Hugo Ekitike, who recently joined PSG on loan for the season.

According to L’Equipe via GFFN, the England youth international is on Reims’ radar as a summer signing following Ekitike’s move to PSG, with the striker being recruited by the French champions on a loan deal that will be permanent next summer, with Oscar Garcia now interested in replacing the youngster with Balogun.

The Arsenal talent signed a long-term contract with the Gunners in 2021 but is unlikely to feature much for Mikel Arteta’s side next season, with the north London side this summer spending a reported £45m on Gabriel Jesus and committing Eddie Nketiah to a new deal and handing the attacker the coveted no. 14 shirt.

With Balogin spending the second half of last season on loan with Middlesbrough, there’s a good chance that the England U-21 star will again go out on loan, with the striker highly-rated amongst Arsenal supporters and pundits, with Ian Wright last season labelling the 21-year-old as an ‘unbelievable’ talent.

Indeed, a top-flight loan move could be ideal for Balogun’s development, and replacing Ekitike following his reported £30m move to PSG at Reims would be a great move for the Arsenal youngster, who is way too good to be playing youth football or sitting on the bench again next season.

With Reims an ambitious side with an incredible track record for developing youth, signing for the French club for the year could be a smart move for both Arsenal and Balogun, with the attacker at the stage of his career where he needs to be playing consistent senior football.

Reims are making a smart move targeting Balogun signing

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Whilst it is unknown if Reims want Balogun or loan or on a permanent deal, Arsenal will have to do all they can to ensure that their talented striker only leaves on a temporary basis this summer, and a move to Ligue 1 could be brilliant for the 21-year-old attacker.

After all, France is proving to be an incredible division for young players to develop their game, and a club like Reims with their sensational youth record could be a perfect stepping stone for Balogun to develop his game for the season with Arsenal set to stick with Jesus and Nketiah for the upcoming year.
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