Arsenal's Anglo-American-Nigerian centre-forward Folarin Balogun is drawing interest from French Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims.

According to authoritative French sports daily L'Equipe via Get French Football News, Reims are on the trail of the England U21 international.

Reims are looking at signing a replacement for Hugo Ekitike who joined Paris Saint-Germain this summer and Balogun has emerged as one of the strikers shortlisted to fill the void left by the France U20 international.

The Hale End Academy graduate is seemingly not in the plans of manager Mikel Arteta at least for the first half of the season as he was not utilised in their last two pre-season games against Everton and Orlando City.

He is expected to depart the Emirates Stadium on loan before the close of the window in search of first team football.

Balogun spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship outfit Middlesbrough FC, where he made twenty-one appearances in all competitions, registering three goals and three assists.

He has appeared ten times for the first team of the Gunners and signed a new four-year deal in April 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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