Folarin Balogun tipped for Arsenal first-team role next season after Reims loan success

Folarin Balogun has what it takes to be a star for Arsenal next season, according to England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley.

The young striker is this season thriving on loan at Reims, scoring 17 goals to date in his first campaign abroad to sit just two behind Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe in the goalscoring stakes.

Balogun has made just two senior starts for Arsenal after coming through the ranks at the Gunners but Carsley feels he just needs a chance in the Premier League.

"Is he ready for the Premier League? It's definitely a different level. I've been watching quite a lot of (Ligue 1) this season because of the three lads that we've got there," he said.

"Physically, it's very similar. There's a lot of athletic, very, very strong players there and he's done well. Who knows? I think given the opportunity I'm sure he would do very well."

Balogun, who also qualifies for Nigeria and United States, is out of the Young Lions' friendlies with France and Croatia with a hamstring problem but Carsley insists he will be considered for selection for Euro 2023 this summer.

Additional reporting by Press Association.