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Arteta has been happy with Balogun's performances in Ligue 1
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been left “impressed” by loanee Folarin Balogun, who has lit up Ligue 1 with Stade Reims.
Arteta impressed by Arsenal loanee Balogun
Arteta took the decision to loan out Balogun to the French top division in order for him to get more games under his belt and it appears to have been another masterstroke by the Spanish manager.
Balogun has grown in leaps and bounds in France and is currently top of the scoring charts after his hat-trick against Lorient saw him climb to 14 goals in 17 Ligue 1 starts and seven goals in his last six games in all competitions for Reims.
Speaking on Balogun’s impressive form, Arteta said, “We have been extremely impressed with Flo this season.
"He has continually shown his natural ability in many training sessions with us and we have been equally impressed with his early integration into the first-team squad on matchdays. He has given us glimpses of the performances and of course his two goals already for the first team.
"The hard work starts here for Flo and we are all looking forward to supporting and working with him in the years to come.”
Balogun hoping for Arsenal reunion
Arteta clearly sees Balogun as a possible permanent fixture at Arsenal in the future, and the 21-year-old striker shares his sentiments.
Balogun has been with Arsenal since 2008, and after making the first team in 2020, has gone on loan spells to sharpen his claws, but says that he still feels like Arsenal is his family.
"Arsenal is my family. For me, the club represents brotherhood and unity,” Balogun said, before reiterating his desire to go back to the club and compete for a place in the team, saying, "I think by the time I go back I’ll be in a better place to compete than I was before I left.
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"I realised there were certain things I would struggle with, but I think that’s a good thing. It helps you to manage stuff you’re uncomfortable with which is important.”
The USA-born England U21 international has shown his cutting edge already with Reims in his second loan spell away from Arsenal, and should his opportunity with the gunners come, few people will be betting against him to take his chance.
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