Arsenal transfer news as Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah speaks out on Folarin Balogun amid continued uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Arsenalstar Eddie Nketiah has backed fellow striker Folarin Balogun to impress this summer amid continued speculation surrounding his future.
Balogunreturned to London Colney this month having spent the 2022/23 season on loan in France with Stade Reims. The USMNT ace scored 22 goals during his time in Europe to attract interest from a number of clubs.
Inter Milan, RB Leipzig, AC Milan, AC Monaco and Chelsea have all been linked with the 22-year-old, though no official move has been made yet. Balogun is currently in the USA with the rest of his Arsenal teammates having been handed a chance to impress Mikel Arteta in last week’s friєɴԀly with FC Nurnberg.
However, Balogun is below Gabriel Jesus and Nketiah in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium andhis place in the Gunners’ squad next season is in doubt.A move to Europe seems the most likely outcome, with Inter Milan said to be preparing a £34.2million ($44.9million) bid for him.
However,positional rival Nketiahhas now insisted it’s good to have Balogun back with the club. “Flo’s a really good player,” he told ɾєρօɾτers Stateside.
“We followed his progress last season. It’s great to have him back. Him and the other loan boys want to show their quality.”
Nketiah’s praise comes after captain Martin Odegaard expressed his excitement at seeing Balogun in action this pre-season. “Just happy to see him do well,” the Norwegian told ɾєρօɾτers.
“Last year in France, he had a great season. He’s a big talent, the boy works hard, very hungry to improve all the time. Yeah, just happy for him and excited to see him again in the games now. Hopefully, he can do well and score some goals.”
