Loan watch: Two Arsenal youngsters named as ‘revelations’ in France

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Ouest-France has named Arsenal youngsters Folarin Balogun and Nuno Tavares as ‘revelations’ in Ligue 1 so far this season.

Balogun came through the ranks at Hale End and is one of our finest talents, while Tavares was brought in from Portuguese giants Benfica for £6.8 million (Guardian) last year.

Arsenal youngsters Folarin Balogun and Nuno Tavares named as ‘revelations’ on loan

Arsenal decided to loan out Balogun to Stade Reims and Tavares to Marseille at the start of this season. Both players have been truly sensational so far.

Balogun’s walking on water

At Reims, Balogun has scored five goals and provided two assists in just six appearances – only Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have found the net more times.

He averages a goal every 71 minutes, which is a truly sensational return for someone who’s still only 21 years old.

Reims have not started the season well, but the outlet still describes Balogun as a player ‘walking on water’ this season.

Tavares tormenting defenders

When Arsenal sent 22-year-old Tavares out on loan, the hope was that he would improve his defending as that was the area he really struggled in last season.

However, the Portuguese full-back has gone and become a massive threat in attack at Marseille.

Tavares, who has played as a left wing-back, has scored three goals in five starts for the French giants. He averages a goal every 159 minutes in Ligue 1 – a better return than Lionel Messi (177) so far this season.

The Insider’s View:

Both Tavares and Balogun have been incredible out on loan so far. At this rate, both players will end the campaign with double-digit goals, and Mikel Arteta will have a decision to make next summer.

Up top, Arsenal currently have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Gabriel Martinelli can also play there, which is the reason why Balogun was sent out on loan.

Tavares faced a similar problem. Kieran Tierney was the first-choice there last season and the addition of Oleksandr Zinchenko meant that there was no place for the 22-year-old in the side.

It’s unlikely that either Balogun or Tavares will climb up the pecking order at Arsenal next season, but it really is fantastic to see both of them doing so well.