Folarin Balogun: 'Arsenal future will be decided this summer'

Folarin Balogun has said that a decision on his future at Arsenal will be made at the end of the campaign.

The 21-year-old moved to Reims on loan last summer, and he has been in impressive form for the French club this season, scoring 18 goals and registering two assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

As it stands, Balogun will return to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season with a view to competing for a first-team spot at Arsenal during the 2023-24 campaign.

However, there have been suggestions that the forward could leave the Gunners on a permanent basis this summer.

Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot recently said that it would be "impossible" for his club to sign Balogun on a permanent basis this summer, but a number of other clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently praised Balogun's form in France during the current season.

"I'm so happy for him. He's a boy that has a really clear idea of what he wants to do with his career. He's really ambitious, really committed and really brave," said Arteta.

"I'm really happy for him because he deserves what he's getting. When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it's just incredible. It's very rare to see that."

Balogun has welcomed Arteta's comments, with the forward stating that he will meet with Arsenal at the end of the campaign to determine his future at the club.

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"It's really positive that he (Arteta) could say these things and I mean I'm sure we'll speak at the end of the season and we'll have a lot of things to discuss. But it's nice that he's watching and paying attention to what's going on, and yeah it's good," Balogun told Sky Sports News.

"There's discussions that need to take place and it's not a decision that will only be with me. The club will let me know their point of view and I'm sure we'll come to an agreement."

Balogun also opened up on Arsenal's Premier League title pursuit, with the North London club currently top of the division, eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

"I'm seeing what they're doing, I'm speaking to some of my friends at Arsenal and I'm just wishing them the best," he said. "But if they can bring it home I'm sure I'll be delighted and I'm sure I'd not be the only one who'd be happy. But there's still a few games left so you can't get too excited."

Balogun came through the youth system at Arsenal, and he has only represented the London club's first team on 10 occasions, scoring twice and contributing one assist.