Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun is in contention to make his competitive debut for Stade de Reims this evening.

The Anglo-American-Nigerian centre-forward has been named in a 21-man group for the trip to Stade Orange Vélodrome, where they tackle Marseille on matchday one in the French Ligue 1.

Manager Oscar Garcia has to drop one player from the provisional roster before confirming his matchday squad.

In search of regular game time, Balogun has switched to the six-time French topflight champions on a season-long loan without an option to buy included in the deal.

The England U21 international is competing with El Bilal Toure, Mitchell Van Bergen and Arber Zeneli for a spot in the starting lineup against Marseille.

Balogun, who has been given the number 29 jersey at Reims, will be aiming to find the net versus Marseille having failed to score on his debuts for Arsenal and Middlesbrough FC.

The Hale End Academy graduate has been signed on a temporary basis as a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, who was Reims top scorer last season with 10 goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : stade-de-reims.com

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