Kylian Mbappe is no longer topping the Ligue 1 top goalscoring charts, after being bumped off the top spot by a forgotten Arsenal star who was sent on loan to Reims
Balogun is loving life at Reims (Image: Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has overtaken Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue 1 top goalscorer standings with an incredible hat-trick.
The England U21 striker was sent on loan to Reims at the start of the season in a bid to get some much needed first team minutes. And he has proven to be a huge star for the French side.
His side’s home match against Lorient began in disastrous fashion, with the visitors roaring into a two goal lead in the first half. However, Balogun, almost single handedly, turned the game around.
On the stroke of half time, Balogun notched home his 12th goal of the campaign from the penalty spot to halve the deficit. His team-mate Kamory Doumbia levelled the contest five minutes into the second half, giving the Englishman the perfect platform to cause even more havoc.
Balogun showed his predatory striking skills when he converted at the near post to give his side the lead, before he completed his hat-trick with an unbelievable first time volley.
Mbappe has fallen below Balogun in the race for the golden boot
His current tally stands at a very impressive 14 goals for the campaign. That is more than Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar this season.
Fortunately for the north Londoners, Balogun is only on loan at Reims until the end of the season. While Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus have both made vital contributions this season, neither striker has scored as many as Balogun.
Balogun has only made two Premier League appearances for Arsenal
William Saliba’s excellent loan spells with Saint Etienne, Nice, and Marseille have also proved the French league is a brilliant division for young talent to develop. The French central defender has been pivotal at the heart of the Gunners defence this season.
If he is given an opportunity and both player and manager are willing to give it another go, Balogun could very well have the same effect for Mikel Arteta’s side next season.
[READ NEXT] Arsenal considering raiding Chelsea again in the summer with mass exodus expected
The Gunners have their eye on one of Chelsea’s many loanees (Pictures: Getty)
Chelsea are expected to offload a host of players in the summer to counterbalance their massive spending spree and Arsenal are considering swooping in, according to reports.
According to The Guardian, Chelsea intend to be ‘ruthless’ in trimming their squad and offloading players in the summer and Arsenal are one of several teams ready to try and nab a bargain.
The table-topping Gunners have their eye on Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is unlikely to remain at Stamford Bridge when he returns from his loan at Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
The winger has struggled for form at Leverkusen (Picture: Getty)
Hudson-Odoi is an attractive proposition given that he is homegrown and was once one of the highest-rated youngers in the Premier League.
However, a loan move to the Bundesliga has failed to reignite his form so far, with the 22-year-old registering just one assist and no goals in 11 league outings – though he did get on the scoresheet in the Champions League.
Arsenal are tracking Hudson-Odoi’s performances for Leverkusen ahead of a potential move, while other clubs are also keeping tabs on his possible availability.
SOURCE: dailystar.co.uk, metro.co.uk
