RB Leipzig have inquired about the availability of Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun ahead of a possible summer transfer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The 21-year-old, who currently plies his trade for Ligue 1 side Stade Reims, has been subject to transfer speculation amid uncertainty over his future.
Balogun has enjoyed a stellar campaign with the French club scoring 18 goals in 29 league appearances, making him the joint-second top scorer alongside former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Only Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David have scored more goals than the Englishman with 19 each, yet his long-term future at Arsenal remains up in the air.
While the Gunners are desperate to hang on to their eye-catching academy product, Balogun has no plans to play second fiddle to Mikel Arteta’s first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus.
Balogun will ideally want guarantees over his playing time, something neither Arteta nor Arsenal can guarantee, as the striker will also have compatriot Eddie Nketiah to contend with.
Should Arsenal decide to cash in on their young prodigy while his stock is still high, they will have no shortage of options, with several clubs, including AC Milan and Inter Milan monitoring the player’s situation.
However, Leipzig have now entered the fray with the Bundesliga side on the market looking to replace Christopher Nkunku, who is poised to join Chelsea this summer.
The Germans have also been credited with interest in Lille’s David, but they believe Balogun will cost less than the Canadian striker.
Balogun’s current club Reims would love to retain the services of the young revelation but do not have the financial resources to pull off the deal.
Balogun is also not entertaining talks of another loan move, with the striker keen to establish himself at his next destination, leaving Arsenal with a decision to make regarding his future.
Leipzig are keen to add another striker to their ranks, with Andre Silva, Timo Werner, and Yussuf Poulsen scoring just 12 league goals amongst them.
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