Folarin Balogun, up for the UNFP Player of the Month award, faces an uncertain future.

Reims' English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot 63 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northestern France, on August 14, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot 63 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northestern France, on August 14, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Balogun’s UNFP Player of the Month nomination

Folarin Balogun has been nominated for the UNFP Player of the Month for March, following an outstanding performance on loan at Stade de Reims.

The Hale End Academy product scored two goals in three appearances in Ligue 1, contributing to his impressive 18-goal tally for the season.

Interest from RB Leipzig and other clubs

RB Leipzig, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, AS Monaco, and other clubs are reportedly pursuing Balogun, who is valued at over €40m (£35m).

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Balogun is not interested in a third loan spell or extending his current Arsenal contract, which expires in 2025.

The 21-year-old seeks a first-choice striker role next season, preferably at Arsenal, but is open to a permanent transfer.

Comparing Balogun’s performance to Arsenal’s strikers

Despite Balogun’s impressive Ligue 1 performance, it is unclear whether he could have the same impact at Arsenal, given the team’s focus on providing opportunities for wingers like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Alexandre Lacazette, who struggled in his final days at Arsenal, has also scored 18 league goals this season, raising questions about the comparative strength of Ligue 1 and the Premier League.