Ex-England international urges Balogun to leave Arsenal

Balogun has been phenomenal for Reims this season and his displays have attracted some big clubs in Europe

Retired England international John Barnes has advised Nigeria-eligible striker Folarin Balogun to leave Arsenal at the end of his loan deal at Reims, Soccernet.ng reports.

Due to his peripheral position at the club, Balogun left Arsenal last summer on a one-year loan deal at French Ligue 1 club Reims. And that has proven to be a good decision for the 21-year-old goal poacher.

Balogun, who is eligible to play for Nigeria, USA, and England has notched 19 goals and three assists in 34 appearances for the Red and Whites.

His performances have helped Reims to 10th place in the Ligue 1 table, and his displays have attracted some of the top clubs in Europe.

Leipzig and AC Milan have been linked with Balogun, and Arsenal may be tempted to let him go as they already have the services of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

England great Barnes has urged Balogun to take the exit door if an opportunity presents itself in the summer.

“Balogun is doing really well for Reims because the way they are playing suits him very well,” Barnes told Betting Expert per Tribal Football.

“But just because he is doing well for Reims that doesn’t mean he all of a sudden will come back to England and perform in the same way.”

“Tammy Abraham is doing well at Roma and Smalling as well because they are playing a kind of football that suits them, which is what matters.”

“So, just because he is doing well overseas doesn’t mean that he will come back to Arsenal and play instead of Jesus or Nketiah.

“I think he should either stay there or move to a club that suits him very well and I don’t necessarily think that he is going back to Arsenal.”

Balogun is valued at €25million per transfermarkt, but Arsenal could get up to €30million.

The young striker played for England at youth level, but he can still switch to Nigeria’s Super Eagles because of his parents.