Stade de Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted that it is almost impossible for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun to stay with the red and whites next season.
Balogun joined Stade de Reims last summer on a season-long loan deal with no option to buy.
Despite failing to score in his last Ligue 1 game in France, the Nigerian-born England Under-21 international remains ahead of Lyon superstar Alexandre Lacazette and PSG superstar Kylian Mbappde, both with thirteen goals, in the race. for the best scorer award.
Balogun has been instrumental in Reims’ winless run of 16 games in all competitions following last weekend’s goalless draw with AJ Auxerre, scoring 10 goals in their unbeaten run.
Caillot expects Balogun to return to Arsenal next season and fight for a first-team place and other options could be loaned back out or sold for big money after being put on display.
When asked if it is possible for France Bleu to continue to loan Balogun for another season, Caillot stated: “I think it is impossible. The rules of the game are very clear: the boys, when they join us, know that they are there to prove themselves and this is a stage for them.
“So, even if I don’t decide for him, Folarin will go back to his club Arsenale to have his chance, or he will be sent out on loan again or he will be taken to a very high level club.
“He is a player who has to go even higher. So, obviously, we will ask him, who feels good here, and his club, but I think he will have to take a step today.
“So we are already working on Balogun’s future, the day they will be taken to leave the club. But if he and his club agree to do another year at Stade de Reims, we will do everything to make it happen.”
Balogun has been on Arsenal’s books since he was eight, and his contract with the north London club expires on June 30, 2025.
