Arsenal star Folarin Balogun to join Reims today ahead of season-long loan transfer to get 19-year-old star experience
ARSENAL youngster Folarin Balogun is reportedly undergoing a medical today ahead of a loan switch to Reims.
The 21-year-old is set to leave the Emirates on a temporary deal to gain more first team experience.
Balogun will join the midtable French club for the season, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
There is reported to be no option or obligation to buy for Reims and the deal is a straight loan swap.
The arrival of Gabriel Jesus – who has hit the ground running in pre-season – means opportunities for Balogun at Arsenal would be limited.
Balogun featured twice in the Premier League for the Gunners last season before being sent on loan to Middlesbrough in January.
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The New York City born England U21 star netted three goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances for Boro.
He first emerged as a target for Reims last month.
The French club need a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, who joined champions Paris Saint-Germain for £30million earlier this summer.
Arsenal meanwhile are planning for MORE transfers before the window closes despite already bringing in five new arrivals.
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Boss Mikel Arteta confirmed after the 6-0 thrashing of Sevilla that he was “happy” with his squad – but still eyeing more signings.
The Spaniard said: “I am happy with where the squad is now but we are still hoping to do something else if the market allows.
“You’ve also seen some movement in the other direction in the last few days and now it’s official that Nuno Tavares is going to Marseille on loan, which will be really important for his development.
“We have recruited Oleksandr Zinchenko in that position and we have Kieran Tierney as well. So Nuno’s best solution was to do this.”