ARSENAL are considering a recall for on-loan striker Folarin Balogun following the injury blow to Gabriel Jesus, according to reports.
Jesus, 25, underwent surgery on his knee after jetting back to the UK on Sunday from Brazil‘s World Cup camp in order to be evaluated by club doctors.
Gabriel Jesus flew back to the UK for surgery on his knee
He could now face up to three months on the sideline
This may lead Arsenal to recall Folarin Balogun from his loan in France
And following the surgery Jesus is set to be sidelined for the next three months in a huge blow to Arsenal‘s title hopes – though the club have not set a timeline on his return.
Eddie Nketiah is the now the only recognised senior striker at the club, but Mikel Arteta does not want to leave himself so short of firepower at a pivotal point of the season.
This could lead him to cut short the loan of Balogun at Ligue 1 outfit Reims, according to 90min.
The 21-year-old has been in impressive form during his loan spell, netting eight goals in 15 appearances.
His development has indicated to the Gunners he would be able to provide cover for Nketiah, particularly in competitions such as the FA Cup and Europa League.
However, the report indicates there is a reluctance from Arsenal to disrupt Balogun’s spell in France.
Arsenal have had great success with leaving William Saliba to his own devices while on loan in France
And they are now reaping the rewards with Saliba helping to marshal the meanest defence in the Premier League.
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Should Arsenal ultimately decide not to bring Balogun back from his loan spell, then there are options on the table in the transfer market.
SunSport listed five options the club could consider in the January window, including free agent Cristiano Ronaldo and in-form Dutchman Cody Gakpo among others.
