Thierry Henry sends transfer message to Arsenal star Folarin Balogun as fans divided over starlet’s future
THIERRY HENRY has advised Arsenal star Folarin Balogun to find a team where he will play regular football.
The striker has impressed on loan at Stade Reims this season where he has scored 20 goals in all competitions.
That has led to speculation about his future, and Balogun has showed his desire to play regularly by opting to represent the USA instead of England at international level.
Now Arsenal legend Henry believes the 21-year-old must decide where he wants to play next season.
He told CBS Sport: “Now for him it’s going to be important next season to play.
“I don’t know if he’s going to play for Arsenal. We all know for the national team with England he had to battle with Callum Wilson, [Ivan] Toney, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.
“He’s been great in the league. He’s a good nine. Now he’s going to have to find a team where he’s going to play next year, that’s very important.”
Balogun has been linked with a permanent move away after reportedly informing the Gunners he is “opposed” to going out on loan again.
AC Milan are believed to be interested in the striker but Arsenal could demand a fee of £26.5million to let him leave.
Balogun is also said to be attracting interest from RB Leipzig and Gooners are split on whether he should be sold.
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One fan wanting to keep him said: “The thought of Balogun getting sold still troubles me deeply. He gives me the vibes like he the man.”
A second added in agreement: “If it comes down to Balogun leaving, looking for more game time, I’d rather have him stay and been given a chance over Nketiah, who can be sold, and those funds used elsewhere.”
But another shared an opposing view, writing: “The most ambitious move of all this summer would be to sell Eddie and Balogun and get a first choice number 9. Osimhen would be perfect.”
Another commented: “If it was me I’d sell Eddie [Nketiah] and Balogun and use that money for Dusan Vlahovic/Ivan Toney.”