Arsenal finished the summer transfer window with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the forward options going into the season. A lot of pressure will be placed on both forwards with a heavy fixture schedule due to the Europa League.
However, both strikers started in the Gunners’ 1-0 Europa League group stage victory against PSV Eindhoven. It was the first time that the pair started in a competitive game together this season.
If this becomes a regular occurrence, then it could become a blessing for Folarin Balogun, who is currently thriving while out on loan in France with Reims. It initially seemed his path at Arsenal was blocked, but with either Jesus or Nketiah featuring on the wing, it gives space for Balogun in the side for future seasons.
READ MORE: Edu's ideal £30m Arsenal midfield alternative at risk amid Xavi's ambitious Barcelona shortlist
Balogun is following a similar path to Nketiah regarding his England Under-21s domination. Nketiah is the all-time top scorer for his nation, having scored 14 goals, as he was consistently tasked with leading the line.
This is now the case with Balogun, who is now starting striker for England U21s and has scored seven goals in the process. This can give the youngster encouragement for his Arsenal breakthrough, as Nketiah's England success gave him the extra recognition to knock on the first team door at London Colney.
Balogun has also dominated the top French division since making a season-long loan switch to Reims in the summer transfer window. His impressive goal return has proven this by scoring five goals in the league so far.
The Gunners' boss has been utilising Jesus as a striker throughout the early weeks of the season. However, before the campaign started, his comments about the Brazilian suggested that he also wanted to use him in a different role, specifically the wing position.
But for the Spaniard to unlock this option, another forward must be added to provide depth alongside Nketiah. The Gunners already have another promising forward in their ranks with Balogun.
Speaking about Jesus, Arteta said: "His versatility is well known. Now we are using him as a nine. He can play as a winger, off the left and the right. You can play with two strikers as we have done in pre-season and change the shape a little bit. He gives us a lot of flexibility."
Balogun can take great encouragement with his current loan move due to the previous striker Reims had in their ranks in Hugo Ekitike. The youngster was also a striker who was equipped with a lot of potential, which eventually saw him develop and land a mega-money move to Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain.
Ekitike was sold to European giants PSG for €35million (£30 million) at the age of 20. The youngster now lines up with Messi and Neymar for the best team in France.
The Frenchman's quick rise to becoming an excellent striker at just 20 years old highlights the quality development chance that Reims offers. Balogun can take inspiration from this and benefit from this crucial loan move, which is already paying dividends.
READ NEXT:
Edu can repeat Gabriel Jesus Arsenal transfer trick and complete £50m deal for 'next Neymar'
Gabriel Martinelli out, Cedric starts, Bukayo Saka doubt: Arsenal predicted XI vs PSV
We simulated Arsenal vs PSV to get a score prediction for Europa League clash
Martinelli, Zinchenko, Smith Rowe - Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of PSV clash
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
