'Arsenal watching him carefully' - Pundit admits it's almost impossible for Balogun to join Marseille

Speaking to Marseille dedicated football website, Coeur Marseillais, Jean-Charles De Bono has insisted that it's almost impossible for Folarin Balogun to join Marseille.

Marseille are among the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the England U21 international of Nigerian descent with a view to a transfer in the summer. 

Balogun has confirmed his credentials as one of the most prolific young strikers in Europe with fifteen goals for modest Stade de Reims, which puts him at the top of the scoring charts in the Ligue 1 heading into this weekend's matches. 

The fight for his signature is expected to be huge if Arsenal decide to sell him to one of his suitors, having dazzled in one of the top five European Leagues. 

Jean-Charles De Bono does not see Balogun joining Marseille unless the striker chooses to remain in France and pushes for a transfer. 

"Top scorer in the French championship, 15 goals with Reims. It means that Arsenal are watching him very carefully," De Bono said. 

"I would have liked him to come to OM. In addition I had mentioned it at the beginning of the year but today I think it is impossible. Except if the player really wants to stay in France and come to OM.

"It will also depend on Arsenal. I think OM have a different image vis-à-vis the players. OM have been criticized for years, in relation to their image, their results, their problems outside the club.

"Today OM gives a totally different image. The players want to come more, apart from Moffi who did everything not to come.

"Today the players if they want to pass a course, they have to go through OM. Because it's the club that has something more than other French clubs."

Balogun has a contract with Arsenal until June 30, 2025 and has played in ten matches for the firstt team, scoring two goals in the Europa League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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