RB Leipzig have inquired about the availability of Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun ahead of a possible summer transfer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan with Ligue 1 club Stade Reims, has been the subject of 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 – a commitment Arteta cannot make – as the striker will also have compatriot Eddie Nketiah to contend with.
If Arsenal decide to cash in while Balogun’s stock is still high, they will have no shortage of options, with AC Milan and Inter Milan among the clubs monitoring the player’s situation.
However, Leipzig have now entered the fray with the Bundesliga side looking to replace Christopher Nkunku, who is poised to join Chelsea this summer.
The Germans have also been credited with an interest in 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.
The player is not entertaining talk 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 between them.
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