Folarin Balogun is expected to leave Arsenal this summer despite the news that Gabriel Jesus will miss the start of the season with a knee issue.
Jesus has undergone surgery to fix discomfort in the forward’s knee, with the issue related to the problem which saw the Brazil international sidelined for a period last season.
Mikel Arteta described Jesus’ absence as a ‘big blow’ to his side, but confirmed his injury does not impact ‘the plan’ with fellow forward Balogun.
Balogun has returned to Arsenal this summer after an impressive loan spell at Reims, one which saw the 22-year-old score 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
The USA international is keen to retain a regular role and has been subject of interest from a number of leading clubs across Europe, including a failed £34m bid from Inter Milan.
“The plans with Flo [Balogun] don’t change at all but unfortunately with Gabby we’re not going to have him,” Arteta said, as per Sky Sports.
“We have other options to play with different qualities of players and we will adapt.”
Arsenal have Eddie Nketiah as an alternative to Jesus, while summer signing Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have also featured at centre-forward.
