Arsenal already have ‘Europe’s most lethal young talent’ who broke PSG hearts

On Jan 30, 2023

Arsenal already have Europe’s most lethal young talent on their books under Mikel Arteta – with Folarin Balogun scoring a vital last-gasp goal against PSG at the weekend.

The 21-year-old striker has managed 11 goals while on loan at Reims this season across 19 Ligue 1 appearances to make him the most prolific player in Europe’s big five leagues aged 21 or under.

Balogun’s tally has him two above Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala and four above his Emirates colleagues Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have starred in the Premier League.

Balogun, who has made 10 appearances for the Gunners and scored twice, spent time on loan at Middlesbrough last season before moving to France where he has flourished.

His latest strike came in the sixth minute of additional time against league leaders PSG on Sunday evening, handing William Still’s side a crucial three points.

The United States-born England youth international will know he faces a tough task displacing Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah should he return to the club next season – but is certainly not short of confidence.

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Folarin Balogun punished PSG to steal a point for Reims at the Parc des Princes
(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Reims are on a 12-game unbeaten run with Folarin Balogun their top scorer
(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Reims manager Will Still, who also has English roots, has now overseen six wins and six draws from his 12 matches in charge – and couldn’t be prouder of his team.

He said: “It’s magical, honestly. This is why we do this job. To equalise at the 96th minute at the Parc des Princes, in front of so many of your supporters – it’s magical.”

Adding of his star striker: “He is a super complete striker, he is able to play with his back to goal, in depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive.”

Folarin Balogun is out to impress Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
(Image: Getty Images)

Balogun said in the summer of Arteta’s message for his loan departure: “Before I moved, Mikel said he wanted me to develop as a man. It was kind of like an open answer and for me to interpret what me meant by develop as a man.

“But by moving abroad, I’m starting to learn what he meant. It doesn’t just mean on the pitch but also off the pitch.

“I think by the time I go back I’ll be in a better place to compete than I was before I left.”