Super Eagles eligible Folarin Balogun is reportedly set to join the French club on a season-long loan today from Premier League giants Arsenal.
The 21-year-old Nigerian striker made four appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side last season in all competitions before being sent on loan to Middlesbrough in the January transfer window.
Balogun has been struggling to stake a place in Arsenal’s first team with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in recent years but the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City and Ghanaian descent Eddie Nketiah will limit his playing time at Emirate Stadium.
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According to French newspaper, L’Equipe revealed that Balogun will join Ligue 1 midtable for the upcoming season on a year loan to gain first-team opportunities but French club Reims have no obligation to purchase the Nigerian permanently next summer.
Balogun will undergo his medical with Les Rouges et Blancs on Monday as he is set to replace Hugo Ekitike at Stade Auguste-Delaune, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan with Ligue 1 champions have a €35m (£29.4m) option to buy youngster despite been linked with a move to Newcastle United.
The New York City-born England U21 star moved to Arsenal in 2011 at the age of eight after being scouted while playing for his previous Sunday League side, Aldersbrook but the youngster made his senior debut in the Europa League on 29 October 2020, coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute in a group stage match against Dundalk.
Balogun scored his first senior goal on 26 November 2020, in a Europa League group stage match against Molde but has only made 10 senior appearances for the Gunners so far, claiming two goals and one assist.
The Super Eagles hopeful will hop to hit the ground running by making his debut when Reims welcome Marseille to Ligue 1 opening day fixtures Sunday at Stade Auguste-Delaune.
