Arsenal legend Thierry Henry advises young striker Folarin Balogun to seek regular playing time as the starlet’s future hangs in the balance.

Reims' English forward Folarin Balogun (R) fights for the ball with Lorient goalkeeper Vito Mannone (L) 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 (R) fights for the ball with Lorient goalkeeper Vito Mannone (L) 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)
  • Arsenal legend Thierry Henry advises Folarin Balogun to find a team where he can secure regular playtime.
  • Balogun has impressed on loan at Stade Reims this season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
  • Transfer speculation grows, with AC Milan and RB Leipzig showing interest, and Arsenal potentially demanding a fee of £26.5million.

Thierry Henry has recently offered his advice to the promising young Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun.

The Arsenal legend has urged Balogun to secure a team where he can find regular playtime.

Balogun has enjoyed an impressive stint at Stade Reims this season while on loan, netting 20 goals in all competitions. His performances have stirred speculation around the future of the 21-year-old star, with his desire to play regular football at the forefront.

Henry shared his thoughts with CBS Sport, underlining the importance of the upcoming season for Balogun. “Now for him it’s going to be important next season to play,” he said. “I don’t know if he’s going to play for Arsenal.

“We all know for the national team with England he had to battle with Callum Wilson, [Ivan] Toney, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.

“He’s been great in the league. He’s a good nine. Now he’s going to have to find a team where he’s going to play next year, that’s very important.”

Balogun has been at the centre of transfer rumours recently, allegedly informing Arsenal that he isn’t interested in another loan move. AC Milan, the Serie A giants, along with Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig, have been cited as potential suitors for the young striker.

The expected fee for his departure sits at a hefty £26.5million, leaving fans torn about whether the starlet should be allowed to exit. As one fan pointed out, “The thought of Balogun getting sold still troubles me deeply. He gives me the vibes like he the man.”

Amidst a wealth of potential and the high stakes of the beautiful game, only time will tell where Folarin Balogun’s journey leads him.