‘What I can say...’ - Arsenal man rules out loan switch this summer with Crystal Palace linked

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has ruled out the possibility of going out on loan next season. The youngster spent the last campaign with Stade de Reims and caught the eye with the Ligue 1 side under Englishman Will Still.

He is due to return to the Emirates Stadium for pre-season and the club has a big decision to make on what to do with him next amid reported interest from elsewhere. The 21-year-old remains under contract until June 2025.

Arsenal gave him the green light to join Reims last August and he went on to score 22 goals in all competitions during his time in France. The Express have reported that Crystal Palace have now entered the race to land him.

Any proposed exit won’t be on loan though according to Balogun himself and he has said, as per BBC Sport: “I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”

Balogun has chosen to represent USA at international over England and Nigeria and now has two caps under his belt. He was born in New York and lived in America until he was two.

He linked up with Arsenal in 2008 and has since risen up through the academy ranks of the London club. The former Three Lions youth star has been a regular at various levels over recent times and has made 10 first-team appearances so far in his career, chipping in with two goals.

The forward was shipped out on loan to Middlesbrough during the 2021/22 campaign and found the net three times for the Championship outfit before heading to Reims. It remains to be seen where he will be playing his football next term, with Crystal Palace linked.