Stade Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted he expects striker Folarin Balogun to 'take the next step' in his career once his loan from Arsenal comes to an end in the summer. Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The 21-year-old had struggled for minutes at Arsenal before his move to Ligue 1 last year and has responded with a whopping 15 goals in 23 games for Reims, seeing him tie with Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David at the top of the division's scoring charts.
With acquisition of Gabriel Jesus and the growth of another hike talent in Eddie Nketia, the possible of Balogun get a regular playing time at the Emirates look so dim.
However the Caillot do not expects the striker to spend a season with Reims even though he will love to see that happen.
"I think it's impossible [to keep Balogun]," he told France Bleu via 90mins.
"These are boys who, when they join us, know that they are there to reveal themselves and this is a stage for them.
"So even if I don't decide for him, either Folarin will return to his club Arsenal to have his chance, or he will be loaned out again or even transferred to a very high level club. He is a player who must go even higher.”
Dare Ogun