Arsenal 21-year-old hailed as 'unbelievable' by manager of his loan club

By Sam Preston

Arsenal prospect Folarin Balogun is spending the season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Reims, where he has been praised by manager Will Still.

Englishman Still is the youngest manager in Europe’s major football leagues at the age of just 30, nine years older than 21-year-old Balogun.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Still sung the praises of the striker who has ten league goals in 17 matches for the French outfit.

Only global superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have a better Ligue 1 tally than that this term, and Still hopes that form continues.

Still pays tribute to Arsenal prospect Balogun

Still said of the striker: “He’s unbelievable, he has real talent but he is also just a top person.

“He’s trying to learn the language – we have a bit of banter because his French is terrible (but) I think he realises being good here will allow him to get the spotlight and attention he needs.”

Gabriel Jesus’ injury might have tempted Arsenal to consider recalling the youngster, but it is important that he keeps on playing games in France.

It is an important transition for a young striker to go from academy football to playing games which matter, and Balogun is going through that now.

There has also been transfer talk about Balogun since the January window opened, and a report from Pianeta Milan, suggests that a pair of Serie A rivals are keen.

Inter and AC Milan are both said to be keen on the 21-year-old, and the report says that Balogun could now be worth €40m [£35.3 million].

That asking price should put off any potential suitors this month, and it seems better for all concerned if Balogun stays where he is and keeps firing in the goals.