Folarin Balogun faces an uncertain future at Arsenal, with Bayer Leverkusen & VfB Stuttgart reportedly interested in his services.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Folarin Balogun could become the next English youngster to join the Bundesliga. The young Arsenal forward is facing an uncertain future at Emirates, owing to lack of game-time under Mikel Arteta. His contract at the club also expires at the end of the season.
Arsenal are determined to keep hold of Balogun for the long-term, but the player’s concerns over his game-time could force him to seek a move away from North London. Bundesliga giants like Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart are circling around the young striker while Ligue 1 outfit Rennes have also expressed their desire to secure his services.
Leverkusen, for one, have been scouring the English market for late, of late. They had notably signed Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah in January while being linked with a move for Brandon Williams. The addition of Folarin could further bolster the attacking option for Peter Bosz, who is bracing himself for the potential departure of either Leon Bailey or Moussa Diaby in the summer.
As for Stuttgart, they have become an attractive destination for young players across Europe, thanks to the leadership of Pellegrino Matarazzo. The likes of Silas Wamangituka, Sasa Kalajdzic, Mateo Klimowicz and Tanguy Coulibaly have all thrived in the Bundesliga this season, and the American connection between Matarazzo and Balogun should make things even easier for the NYC born youngster.
As for Arsenal, it is understandable why they are keen on keeping hold of Balogun, as the Englishman is indeed one of the best talents to come out of their academy in recent years. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old doesn’t have much scope in the current team as he trails Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order.
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In addition, the Gunners are trying to further enhance their offensive department this summer, notably being linked with a move for Portuguese starlet Tiago Tomas. A move away from Emirates, therefore, is the most logical option for Balogun as he looks to make his much-awaited debut at the highest level of football.
From a player’s perspective, a move to Bundesliga makes sense as the league has become a breeding ground of talented players across Europe. The influx of English players like Reece Oxford, Jadon Sancho and Jamal Musiala makes it an even better environment for the Arsenal youngster, who could become an asset at either Leverkusen or Stuttgart.
