Mikel Arteta decides to sell 18 goals Arsenal striker

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has taken a decision on the future of Folarin Balogun at the Emirates.

The 21-year-old is likely not to return to the club from his loan spell at French Ligue1 side Reims despite his superb form.

This is following Arteta’s reported plan to offload a host of players to raise transfer funds.

Balogun has scored 18 goals for the French side this season, meaning he is now just one strike behind top scorers Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David.

Many Arsenal fans were hoping the striker, who is a product of the club’s academy, would come back from loan in summer and lead the Gunners’ attack next season.

The Times reports that this would not be the case as the youngster does not even want to come back unless Arsenal will make him the leading striker, a role being currently played by the more established Gabriel Jesus.

Balogun will also be behind Eddie Nketiah in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.

The England Under-21 international only has two years left on his contract and Arsenal are conscious that his price tag is unlikely to get any higher than it will be this summer.

As such, it may suit all parties for Arsenal to cash in on Balogun despite his excellent form for Reims.

The Gunners are likely to demand a fee in excess of £30million.