Arsenal do have a “clause” in place that would allow them to recall Folarin Balogun from his loan spell at Reims, according to Football.London reporter Tom Canton.

The 21-year-old has been in superb form since moving to France in the summer, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances and, while Canton says the option is there for the Gunners, he would be surprised if they use it:

It’s my understanding that Folarin Balogun’s contract does have a recall clause in it for this January.

However, I’d be surprised if it is activated by Arsenal.

— Tom Canton (@TomCantonMedia) December 4, 2022

A lot will probably depend on the extent of Gabriel Jesus’s injury. Initial reports have suggested that the Brazilian will be out for a few weeks but there is a chance that he could be sidelined for much longer if he requires surgery.

Balogun would be the logical choice as it wouldn’t cost anything to bring him back to the Emirates, while his form in Ligue One suggests that he could contribute goals.

On the other hand, though, Arsenal may be reluctant to cut short a loan spell that has been so successful, especially as he could be relegated to bench duty once again when Jesus returns.