According to an Italian publication, Calcio Mercato, English player of Nigerian descent, Folarin Balogun, has become a target for Italian giants AC Milan, following his impressive season so far with Stade de Reims in France.

The publication wrote that Milan are keeping tabs on Balogun as Olivier Giroud’s long-term replacement and could make a move for the Arsenal-owned forward next summer.

Giroud, who recently turned 36, has enjoyed a brilliant time in Milan, helping the Rossoneri win the Serie A title last season.

The former Chelsea star continues to make a meaningful impact for AC Milan. He scored a stunning winning goal to help the Italian champions see off Spezia 2-1 on Saturday.

But at 36, the end is drawing close for an accomplished career that saw Giroud win numerous honours in France, England, and Italy.

The long-term heir of the former Gunner could, however, be another Arsenal star, with Milan considering Folarin Balogun as an option next summer.

“Olivier Giroud is back as an absolute protagonist with two very heavy goals in the Champions League against Salzburg. We talk about it again from a World Cup perspective, but given his age, Milan will also have to think about new, younger strikers,” the website reads.

“Behind Giroud could therefore be inserted a young striker, of value but not excessive costs. AC Milan, therefore, looks around, and the French league could hide an extremely interesting player who reflects these characteristics.

“A possible special note could be Folarin Balogun, who is playing on loan at Reims and with excellent results. The class of 2001, already approached Milan at a very young age a couple of years ago, has so far collected seven goals and two assists in Ligue 1, thus allowing glimpses of talent and the possibility of improvement.

“A market the transalpine one that Milan often observes, even if in the case of Balogun it would then be necessary to go to Arsenal, owner of the 21-year-old’s card, who sent him on loan just in search of a maturity that could also be tempting to the Rossoneri. The valuation is around 15 million, but every goal risks making it grow.”

Balogun has been impressive in France where he is currently on loan at Reims.

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