Premier League leaders, Arsenal have always planned on sending Nigeria-eligible striker, Folarin Balogun on loan and keep in-form Eddie Nketiah at the club. 

This was disclosed by Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano who has proven to be an authority on transfer news across Europe. 

Balogun is currently on a season-long loan deal at French Ligue 1 side, Reims, where he has scored eleven goals in nineteen appearances across all competitions this season.

The 21- year-old striker made ten career appearances for the Gunners before his current stint in the French top-flight. 

Balogun was born to Nigerian parents and thus is eligible to play for the Super Eagles. He is also a target for the USA and England national teams. 

In reference to Eddie Nketiah's brace on Sunday against Manchester United at the Emirates stadium, Romano on Monday, writing in the Daily Briefing exclusively for CaughtOffside, said:  

"What a performance by Eddie Nketiah yesterday as his brace helped Arsenal to a 3-2 win over Manchester United!"

"Despite rumours, he was not close to leaving in the summer – Arsenal were clear in the plan to let Folarin Balogun leave on loan and keep Nketiah."

Romano explained further why the Arsenal hierarchy favoured Nketiah who is of Ghanaian heritage over the Super Eagles prospect. 

"They have been very clear, Mikel Arteta was crucial in this process and they always trusted him, in particular the director Edu Gaspar. Now we can see the trust is paying off, he’s been  in superb form to fill in for the injured (first choice striker) Gabriel Jesus."

Balogun is expected to return to Arsenal in the summer for the pre-season preparations ahead of the 2023/2004 campaign.

Izuchukwu Michael

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