One of the main transfer issues which must be addressed by Arsenal is whether he intends to keep or sell Folarin Balogun. Having spent the season out on loan, the USMNT striker impressed and is generating interest from multiple different clubs. However, the power is in Arteta’s hands as to whether he chooses to use him or lose him.
The pressure for a decision has intensified after Folarin Balogun’s recent claim. According to Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, Balogun has claimed that he does not intend to go out on loan again next season. Instead, he wants Arsenal to make a decision on whether to integrate him into the first team or sell him permanently.
It’s fair enough, in my opinion. He has surpassed the calibre of being a loan player or a bench warmer. Instead, he’s a potent goal scorer and could be of benefit to any club that wants him – Arsenal included.
The problem is, Arsenal have both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in their ranks. Of the two, there is a clear divide between who the starter is and who the backup is, but Arteta remains a fan of Nketiah and believes he offers a lot to the team (which, in fairness, was demonstrated when Jesus was injured in the middle of this season).
Arsenal fans react to Folarin Balogun’s ultimatum
I mean what's the point of him going for another loan after all he's better than most of the strikers consider to be the future of football game and sorry to say he's better than what we have in terms of goals.
— Against all the odds 💪💪💪 (@HACKED0006) June 19, 2023
A bold claim from this Arsenal fan already. I mean, I do think Balogun is better than Nketiah, but Jesus offers a lot more to the team than just goals.
Sell him sell Eddie bring havertz in and break even
— Jackthegooner (@Jack10Gooner) June 19, 2023
Could be a wise financial choice for Mikel Arteta.
why not give him a chance and stop tryin to buy that havertz fraud
— 永公街的街长 (@zhangyuxiang04) June 19, 2023
Would Folarin Balogun be a wiser choice for Arteta to consider than Kai Havertz?
What do you make of Folarin Balogun’s ultimatum?