Arsenal star urged to make move to Newcastle United, Aston Villa or Brighton

Folarin Balogun has been urged to remain in the Premier League if he leaves Arsenal this summer - with Newcastle United among the clubs tipped as a potential destination.

The 22-year-old’s stock has risen significantly after scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances on loan at Ligue 1 side Stade Reims last season. Balogun is wanted by Monaco and has been linked with other European clubs such as Inter Milan.

However, the former Middlesbrough loanee has been told to remain in England by former USA international Eric Wynalda, who mentioned Newcastle as one of several potential suitors.

“Yes, I would like to see Folarin Balogun remain in the Premier League,” Wynalda told The Action Network. “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.”

Despite Wynalda’s comments, it’s highly unlikely Newcastle would make a move for Balogun after head coach Eddie Howe ruled out signing another striker last week.

“When you look at our striking options, we obviously have two top players (Wilson and Isak) who are possibly competing for one position,” said Howe. “But it depends on what system we play.

“Then behind that, you have Anthony Gordon, who has played centrally, and he’s done it very well. With the price of front players so high, I don’t think that is an area we can go into with the budget we can go into this summer.”