Folarin Balogun refuses to rule out Arsenal exit this summer as he claims ‘a lot could change’

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has refused to rule out a move away from the club this summer amid European interest. 

The 21-year-old has shone for Reims in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 17 goals in 27 appearances for Will Still’s side. 

Serie A giants AC Milan are believed to be one of a number of European clubs keen on Balogun and he has left the door open to an exit after claiming ‘a lot could change’. 

Asked if he will be returning to Emirates Stadium, Balogun told Ligue 1 official website: ‘Yeah, I mean, contractually I have to go back. 

‘Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement. But I wouldn’t, I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future. 

Folarin Balogun has shone for Reims in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 17 goals in 27 appearances

But he refused to rule out a move away from the club this summer amid European interest

Balogun will have to battle it out with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah next season

‘A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.’ 

Asked if a return to Ligue 1 could be on the cards, Balogun added: ‘Yeah, I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. 

‘So, yeah, I mean I don’t know what the future will bring. But definitely I would advise young players to come out here. It’s a really, really tough league, a league that will help you to improve. 

‘You get to play in crazy atmospheres. If you’re ready to take yourself out of your comfort zone, I would advise any young player, I would advise any young player to come here.’ 

Balogun has two Premier League appearances to his name, having started in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Brentford on the opening day of last season. 

The youngster will return to north London when his loan spell in France ends at the end of the season but faces stiff competition for minutes. 

Gareth Southgate says Folarin Balogun must show patience if he is to play for England

He will battle it out with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard for a place in Mikel Arteta’s squad next season. 

Meanwhile, Balogun’s international future is also up in the air, with the USA keen to snap him up from England. 

He was pictured in the United States, where he was born, and has been seen attending an Orlando Magic basketball game and a New York Yankees baseball match. 

However, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has urged Balogun to be patient if he is to represent England.