AC Milan keeping tabs on Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun during loan from Reims and lining up with summer transfer

SERIE A giants AC Milan are monitoring the progress of Arsenal man Folarin Balogun and preparing a summer move, according to reports.

Balogun is currently on loan at Reims following a lack of opportunities in north London.

He must score two goals for the Gunners to his name, but made just four first-team appearances last season.

As a result, he was loaned out to Middlesbrough in January.

And the arrival of Gabriel Jesus and the new contract of Eddie Nkeitah forced him to leave temporarily.

But while his chances of qualifying at the Emirates look slim, his form in France has caught Milan’s attention.

Balogun scored 10 goals in 16 Ligue 1 games, including a brace in his first game after the World Cup against Rennes.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are in desperate need of a striker and appreciate the 21-year-old’s profile.

Milan sit second in Serie A and are in the Champions League round of 16, but they have concerns over each of their senior strikers.

This is because Olivier Giroud is out of contract at the end of the season.

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Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn’t played a minute since signing a new one-year contract in July and Divock Origi scored once after leaving Liverpool.

Stefano Pioli’s side are back in action when they travel to Salernitana on Wednesday.

And the San Siro giants can’t afford to lose any more ground to leaders Napoli with the gap at the top already eight points.