Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Folarin Balogun this summer, according to a report from France.

Reims' midfielder Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and FC Nantes at the Auguste-Delaune stadium in Reims, northern France on November 6, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ midfielder Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and FC Nantes at the Auguste-Delaune stadium in Reims, northern France on November 6, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images)

L’Equipe (via Calciomercato) report that Paris Saint-Germain are looking to sign an attacker this summer, amid uncertainty around the situations of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.

Folarin Balogun is reportedly a target, after his impressive debut campaign in Ligue 1 on loan with Stade de Reims.

At the time of writing, Balogun has 19 goals for Reims, with six games remaining. If he can hit 20 before the end of the season, it will be a fantastic achievement for someone who had never played a full campaign in senior football before.

That’s led to plenty of speculation around the striker’s future, with suggestions that he’s unwilling to return and be a backup for Arsenal.

The Gunners may be willing to cash in, given they have other options up front and Balogun’s stock is pretty high right now. But reports have already suggested that some of the striker’s suitors have pulled out over the potential €40m (£35.4m) asking price.

Perhaps that makes PSG a good fit. They play in a league where Balogun is clearly already comfortable, their aging attacking line will need replacing in the near future, and they have the funds to afford what Arsenal want.

For the time being, the rumours are only in the early stages, and there’s no sense that PSG are readying an official bid.

Reims' English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates with teammates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and FC Lorient at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northern France on February 1, 2023. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates with teammates after scoring during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and FC Lorient at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northern France on February 1, 2023. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images)

David Ornstein reported for The Athletic earlier this month that Balogun is opposed to a third loan spell next season, and he also doesn’t plan to extend his current Arsenal contract – which expires in 2025.

The striker wants to play as a first-choice striker next season, and he’d happily do so with Arsenal. But with that possibility appearing unlikely, a permanent transfer appeals to him.

Balogun has no ill feelings towards Arsenal, but with AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, and AS Monaco reportedly joining RB Leipzig in the race and offering starts, he’s evidently pushing the club to make a decision.