Arsenal to make decision on prolific forward’s future at end of current season

Arsenal moved a step closer to lifting the Premier League trophy with a 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. 

Goals from Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard secured an important three points for The Gunners, who remain in top spot, five points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City in second.

Martinelli netted his 12th goal of the campaign across all competitions during the London derby, but the Brazilian isn’t actually the highest scoring Arsenal player so far this season.

That accolade goes to Folarin Balogun, who has been in sensational form on loan at French side Reims.

The forward has so far scored 16 goals across all competitions, and his form has prompted discussion around his future at Arsenal.

As per Fabrizio Romano, the Englishman’s future will be decided at the end of the current season.

The 21-year-old has scored 15 goals in 25 Ligue 1 matches so far and until recently found himself top of the goal scoring charts in the French top flight.

The Gunners loanee has flourished under English coach Will Still, who has guided Reims to a 19-game unbeaten run in the league.

Balogun has been in fine form on loan at Reims this season

Romano claims that, at the start of the campaign, Arsenal decided along with the player’s agents to send Balogun out on loan to Reims, with the decision now proving to have been a wise one.

The youngster was sent out following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus at The Emirates, with Eddie Nketiah acting as deputy to the Brazilian.

Nketiah has been used regularly in recent months, with Jesus having suffered an injury towards the end of last year.

Balogun’s current contract is due to run until 2025, but the England under-21 international is almost certain to be the subject of significant interest from a number of clubs this summer following what has already been an impressive campaign.

In total, Balogun has made ten senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice and providing one assist.