Foot Mercato are reporting that Lille OSC will prioritise the signing of Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun (21) this summer as they look to replace the outgoing Jonathan David (23).
Balogun is currently on loan at Ligue 1 rivals Stade de Reims, and only Kylian Mbappé (19) and Jonathan David (19) have scored more goals than Balogun’s 18 in the French top flight this campaign. However, it is expected that David will leave Les Dogues this summer, and they are therefore in the market for a replacement.
According to Foot Mercato, Balogun is their priority in attack. However, Lille, who are fighting to compete in European football next season, have considerable competition. AC Milan are also interested in the England U21 international, as are AS Monaco, who see Balogun as a potential replacement for Wissam Ben Yedder, should he depart the Principality club this summer.
Whilst Arsenal’s initial intention for the loan was to strengthen the player’s profile, Balogun’s form in Ligue 1 has ultimately caught the eyes of his competitors in France’s domestic division, and beyond.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle