Arsenal star Folarin Balogun has been urged to remain in the Premier League if he leaves the Gunners this summer. Former USA forward Eric Wynalda believes Newcastle would be one of a number of good destinations for the 22-year-old.
Arsenal have slapped a £50million price tag on Balogun. The striker wants to build on last season’s successful loan spell at Reims.
His game time may be limited at the Emirates and he doesn’t want to go out on loan again. A permanent exit looks most likely if a club are able to match Arsenal’s asking price.
Inter Milan are keen on the forward but may not be able to offer what the Gunners want. Monaco also had a bid rejected for Balogun on Monday.
Wynalda, who won over 100 caps for the USA, says it would be best for Balogun’s development to stay in the Premier League. He reckons there are a number of clubs, including Newcastle who will be in the Champions League this season, that would suit Balogun at this point in his career.
Wynalda told The Action Network: “Yes, I would like to see Folarin Balogun remain in the Premier League. He is a talented player with a lot of potential, and I think he would be a good fit for a number of clubs in the league.
“Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace are all clubs that are looking to strengthen their attacking options, and they would all be able to offer Balogun regular playing time. I think it would be good for Balogun to stay in the Premier League.
“It is the best league in the world, and it would give him the opportunity to test himself against the best players in the world. It would also give him the chance to play in the Champions League, which is a dream for many young players.
“West Ham are a good option for Balogun. They are a club with ambitions of success, and they would be able to offer him regular playing time. They also have a good track record of developing young players, which would be beneficial for Balogun.”