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Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun is destined to play for a “very big club,” according to Reims President Jean-Pierre Caillot.

The young striker has bagged a hugely impressive 15 goals in Ligue 1 this season, level at the very top of the standings with PSG star Kylian Mbappe and Lille icon Jonathan David.

Balogun’s feats are made even more impressive by the fact that Reims currently sit tenth in the table, with PSG and Lille sitting first and sixth respectively.

Arsenal loanee destined for a ‘very big club’

The 21-year-old – who was born in New York but has recently represented England at youth level – also has one Coupe de France goal to his name this season to take his tally to 16 goals in all competitions.

The stunning form has perhaps shocked many Arsenal fans, with the striker netting just three times for Middlesbrough during his loan spell at the Championship club last season.

Previously shining for both Arsenal under-18s and Arsenal under-21s, Balogun has made just 10 appearances for the Gunners, but is currently enjoying a rich run of form in France.

Reims President Caillot is unsurprisingly eager to extend the youngster’s deal at the club, but is fully aware that the likelihood is that the striker will leave at the end of the season for a bigger challenge.

“I think [signing him permanently] is impossible,” said Caillot, as per LiveScore. “The rules of the game are clear. These are boys that, when they join us, know that they’re here to improve and that it’s a step for them.

“So even if I’m not deciding for him, either Folarin will return to his club to have his chance, he’s loaned out, or transferred to a very big club. He is a player that should go even higher.

“Obviously we’ll ask him if he feels good here, and at his club, but I think that now, he will need to take a step up.

“We are already working on life after Balogun, the day when he will leave our club. But if he and the club are open to another year at Reims, we’ll do everything to make it happen.”

Arsenal

Balogun to return to Arsenal?

As Caillot mentioned, there are plenty of options for Balogun, with the striker set to be faced with a difficult decision come the end of the season.

But as is the case with many young players, the choice may not be his to make, with parent club Arsenal seemingly in charge of the striker’s future.

The Gunners are flying high at the top of the Premier League this season, but have lost a bit of their attacking edge at times amid the absence of injured striker Gabriel Jesus.

Eddie Nketiah has done his utmost to fill the gap left by the Brazilian, but has found the back of the net just four times from his 21 Premier League games this season.

Mikel Arteta is undoubtedly building an exciting young side at the Emirates, with a spot for 21-year-old Balogun a real possibility next season.