Arsenal looking at recalling on-loan striker after Gabriel Jesus injury

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By Martin Graham | 8th Dec 2022

Folarin Balogun’s loan spell at Stade de Reims in the French Ligue 1 could be cut short thanks to Gabriel Jesus injury at the FIFA World Cup, according to reports.

The young striker was sent on loan to France to help him get first team experience and playing time in the 2022/23 season. The loan move has worked wonders for his confidence and he has outperformed every expectation. He is the club’s starting striker and has scored eight goals in 15 league matches so far to grab the eight spot on the league’s leading scorers list for the season.

With Jesus out until February at the earliest, Arsenal are understaffed in the striker department and reports claim that Reims may not have Balogun to count on for the rest of the season. It is also understood that there is a reluctance to do so and disrupt his progress, seeing as he has started strongly at the club.

Should they choose to do so, however, there is a clause that allows them to recall the 21-year-old without issues. Arsenal are believed to be waiting on the results of the checks on Jesus’ injury before making a decision.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to add another American to their ranks with Yunus Musah on their radar.

The Valencia youngster gave a good account of himself at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but was unable to prevent the USA from exiting the tournament from the round of 16 stage.

He is now back with his club as they attempt to regain relevance in LaLiga, after last season’s capitulation saw them end up in a mid-table position. It is understood that Los Che have also opened contract negotiations with Musah to fend off Arsenal’s interest as he has been vital to their season this far.

Should Musah sign for Arsenal, it would be a reunion with some of his Hale End teammates as he came up the ranks at the North London club’s training school before moving to Spain in 2019 and straight into their first team.

It is also reported that both Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing Musah, which could make things a lot more difficult for Valencia, whose financial struggles are well publicised.

His current contract at the Mestalla runs until 2026 and his release clause is set at €100 million, a fee that is not beyond the reach of the richer English clubs.