Sky Sports reporter claims Arsenal star Folarin Balogun is 'leaning towards leaving' the club

With the transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal are readying their plans for when it opens for business on June 14.

For Arsenal, it is one of the most important transfer windows in years. Mikel Arteta will be desperate to secure the signings needed to bridge the gap to Manchester City next season after falling short in the Premier League title race this term.

Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Ivan Fresneda are just some of the names that have been linked with a move to the Emirates as Arteta looks to build a squad capable of challenging in both the Premier League and Champions League.

There are also expected to be departures from the club, as is the case in most windows, as Arsenal seek to raise transfer funds to secure the likes of Rice and Caicedo.

One player who could be sold this summer is striker Folarin Balogun.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season out on loan at French club Reims, scoring 20 goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances.

But with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard already at the Emirates, Balogun could find it difficult to work his way into Arteta's first-team plans for next season.

Balogun 'leaning towards' leaving Arsenal

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth says Bolagun is yet to make a decision over his future but is considering a permanent transfer.

"Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun leaning towards leaving on permanent basis," tweeted Sheth.

"Final decision rests with Arsenal - Balogun has 2 years left on his contract.

"Scored 20 League goals for Reims on loan. Number of clubs interested including RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt & Monaco."

Italian outlet Calcio Mercato claim AC Milan are also interested in signing Balogun.

It is claimed that Arsenal will seek at least £26m for the striker.

Speaking earlier this season after Arteta had labelled his form 'special', Balogun said he would discuss his future with the Arsenal manager at the end of the campaign.

"It's really positive that he could say these things," Balogun told Sky Sports.

"I'm sure, we'll speak at the end of the season and we'll have a lot of things to discuss. It's nice that he's watching and paying attention to what's going on."

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan