Agbonlahor hits out as Arsenal make big Eddie Nketiah decision – ‘there’s no way’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Eddie Nketiah must remain above Folarin Balogun in the Arsenal pecking order despite the on-loan star’s sparkling form this season.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Ligue 1 is a “Mickey Mouse league” and suggested Balogun, 21, will have to earn his place in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The US-born youngster has scored 18 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions on loan at Stade Reims this term.
Football Insider revealed on 17 March that the England Under-21 international is wanted by AC Milan – with Arsenal looking for a fee of around £40million if they are to sell this summer.
It is believed that Balogun wants to play regularly next season – wherever his future lies.
Nketiah, who is the backup to first-choice forward Gabriel Jesus, scored four goals in nine league starts when he deputised for the Brazil international earlier this year.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think so.
“Scoring goals in the Premier League is ten times harder than scoring goals in France.
“It’s a Mickey Mouse league, to me. There’s no way you can judge Balogun ahead of Nketiah based on what he’s done there.
“He’s done well, and fair play to him, but he’s going to have to earn it all over again next season if he wants to play for Arsenal.
“The Premier League is a different kettle of fish – and Nketiah is now a proven entity in this league. He’s helped them to this title if they get it.
“I would keep that dynamic as it is.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Arsenal put 2020 signing up for sale after offer green light.