Arsenal 'open to selling Folarin Balogun this summer' as 'crunch talks planned'

Arsenal are 'open' to selling on-loan wonderkid Folarin Balogun this summer - but only if interested clubs can match their asking price, according to a new report.

Balogun is currently impressing on loan at French Ligue 1 side Reims, where he has netted 18 league goals this season.

But speculation has been rife about his long-term future - and whether he will remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of this season.

90min have claimed that Balogun, praised as 'special' by manager Mikel Arteta, will hold talks with the Gunners hierarchy over his future, with the 21-year-old said to be keen to gain assurances over his playing time next season.

The report adds that the forward intends to tell Arsenal that he 'will be keen to leave' should first team chances not be offered to him, with a loan also said to be ruled out.

Now, reports from France claim that the Gunners are open to selling him if conditions are met.

Arsenal 'open to selling Balogun'

According to French outlet L'Equipe, Arsenal will allow Balogun to move on if their asking price of £26.8 million is met - a high amount off the back of the player's first regular experience of top division football.

It is claimed that Arteta is currently happy with his attacking options, with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard all able to operate in the centre forward role.

In the scenario of Balogun returning to Arsenal, therefore, it may be difficult for him to break into the starting XI - but with talks planned, both sides may yet come to an agreement for the player to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

The forward has been linked with moves to a number of fellow European giants, including Italian rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that both sides would be willing to offer Balogun a starting spot in their side, which the forward is said to be 'attracted' to - and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can offer the same.