Arsenal look towards on-loan striker Folarin Balogun to revive their flagging fortunes

ENGLISH Premier League giants Arsenal are considering recalling their on-loan striker Folarin Balogun from French side Reims at the end of the season following their now obvious need to strengthen their attack.

Yesterday, Arsenal fell off the summit if the Premier league after losing 1-3 at home to defending champions Manchester City, who are now title favourites. At the World Cup in November, Arsenal's main striker Gabriel Jesus got injured and his absence has hot the club hard since the resumption of the league.

Balogun has been on fire thus season, emerging as one of the most prolific young strikers in Europe with 15 goals for modest Stade de Reims. This puts him at the top of the scoring charts in the Ligue One heading into this weekend's matches and Arsenal could do with his firepower upfront.

Although he has already played for the England youth team, Balogun is eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian parents. Balogun, 21, is already attracting the attention of several clubs across Europe, with French giants Marseille very keen on signing him at the end of the season.

Football pundit Jean-Charles De Bono, said: "Top scorer in the French championship with 15 goals with Reims, which means that Arsenal are watching him very carefully. I would have liked him to come to Olympic Marseille but today I think it is impossible, except if the player really wants to stay in France and come.

"It will also depend on Arsenal. I think OM have a different image vis-à-vis the players. OM have been criticized for years, in relation to their image, their results, their problems outside the club.

"Today Olympic Marseille gives a totally different image, as the players want to come more, apart from Moffi, who did everything not to come. Today the players if they want to pass a course, they have to go through Olympic Marseille because it's the club that has something more than other French clubs."

Balogun has a contract with Arsenal until June 30, 2025 and has played in 10 matches for the Gunners first team, scoring two goals in the Europa League. With his growing reputation and Arsenal's shyness in front of goal, Balogun might be on his way back to The Emirates soon.