Folarin Balogun is set to hold a medical with Reims today over a season-long loan without an option to buy, according to various reports.

Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal with Omari Hutchinson (L) (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal with Omari Hutchinson (L) (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday evening that Reims were closing in on a loan deal to sign Folarin Balogun to June 2023. The striker had also received offers from Premier League clubs, but he’s ready to accept a move to Reims.

Romano added that a medical could take place early this week, once certain details had been resolved.

L’Equipe (via GFFN) claim the medical will take place on Monday, confirming Balogun will join on a season-long loan without a purchase clause.

The Athletic had reported last week that Arsenal were still exploring their options with Balogun.

At the time, they were undecided whether another loan is the best thing for him, or whether he should stay with the first-team squad this season.

It looks like they’ve now made that decision, and the loan transfer is set to go through in the coming days.

Reims were on the hunt for a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, after the young striker left for Paris Saint-Germain.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Folarin Balogun of England shoots during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England U21 and Andorra U21 on March 25, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Folarin Balogun of England shoots during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England U21 and Andorra U21 on March 25, 2022. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Balogun has found opportunities hard to come by in pre-season.

The striker scored in Arsenal’s opening game, playing 45 minutes against Ipswich Town. But after another 22 minutes in the next game against FC Nurnberg, he didn’t feature at all in the five games since then.

Arsenal have two very good goalscorers in Jesus and Nketiah. Jesus has seven goals in his five pre-season games, whilst Nketiah brought his tally to six after his latest goal against Sevilla.

A loan would seem like Balogun’s best opportunity to play regularly.