Reims have reportedly already decided that they want to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun on a permanent deal.
Despite being highly-regarded at the Emirates Stadium, Balogun has reached 21 years of age with just one start and one substitute appearance to his name in the Premier League.
An unproductive loan spell in the Championship with Middlesbrough failed to enhance his reputation in the eyes of Mikel Arteta, who allowed the England Under-21 to move to Reims on loan during the summer transfer window.
Since then, however, Balogun has enjoyed the best spell of his career, already contributing six goals and one assist from nine appearances in Ligue 1.
The latest of those strikes came on Sunday as Reims earned a 2-2 draw away at Troyes, leaving his temporary club in 17th place in the standings.
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When the Gunners allowed Balogun to move to Stade Auguste Delaune, they insisted on the agreement being a straight loan, rather than it coming with options for Reims to purchase the player in the future.
Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Reims want to negotiate a permanent deal for the prospect.
Balogun has a contract with Arsenal until the end of 2024-25, making it unlikely that they will consider a sale at this stage.
However, with Gabriel Jesus having cemented his place as first choice down the middle of the attack, there is little chance of Balogun dislodging the Brazilian over the coming years.
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Furthermore, Eddie Nketiah only penned a new long-term contract at Arsenal in the summer and is now established as the main alternative to the recent summer arrival.
Much could depend on the size of any offer for Balogun, whose valuation will only increase the longer than he continues to perform at club and international level.
As well as impressing on the domestic scene, Balgoun recently took his record for England Under-21s to seven goals from 13 appearances with the opening strike in a 3-1 victory over Germany Under-21s.
In the past, he has also attracted interest from the Bundesliga, and bigger clubs may take an interest if he is able to maintain his form for Reims over the course of the campaign.
Darren Plant
