Folarin Balogun nets a HAT-TRICK for Reims to go above Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 scoring charts

Folarin Balogun continued his sizzling goalscoring form since joining Reims on loan from Arsenal as he netted a hat-trick against Lorient to inspire their 4-2 comeback win on Wednesday night. 

The 21-year-old now has 14 strikes to his name in Ligue 1 and his heroics take him above PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts following a sensational season for the forward.

His first goal was a cooly taken penalty to pull one back for his side after they had gone 2-0 down at home, before Kamory Doumbia levelled the scores. 

Balogun then converted a brilliant close-range volley to put his team ahead before adding gloss to the scoreline by producing a sensational first-time finish from a lofted through ball.

While he overtook Mbappe in the Ligue 1 golden boot race, the 2018 World Cup winner was having a night to forget with PSG in their 3-1 win over Montpellier – after missing two penalties and a sitter of a rebound before getting himself injured.

He has now gone above Kylian Mbappe as Ligue 1’s top scorer, with the superstar having a night to forget for PSG against Montpellier 

Balogun has been shining under the guidance of up and coming English boss Will Still and scored a last-gasp equaliser against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night to continue the club’s unbeaten run since he took charge.

Arsenal will have a big decision to make on Balogun and will likely be taking notice after watching him light up the French top tier. 

Sportsmail understands the club are set to wait until the summer before making any calls on his future – with Reims expecting him to return to the Emirates. 

Balogun is having a sensational season with Reims and has given Arsenal plenty to think about 

The striker joined the north London club aged 10 and signed a new, long-term deal back in 2021.

Arsenal plan to let him develop in France, where the 21-year-old has enjoyed a taste of regular playing opportunities at the top level.

Balogun has started 16 Ligue 1 matches upfront for Reims but should he stay at Arsenal next season, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.