‘Again’: Arsenal told attacker will go out on loan, but midfielder to stay

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Kevin Campbell has claimed that Folarin Balogun will ‘probably go out on loan again’ this summer, but he thinks Charlie Patino will stay at Arsenal for now, as he told the Highbury Squad.

During the second half of the recently-concluded season, Balogun was sent out on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough, who finished outside of the play-off places.

The 20-year-old’s season didn’t get off in the greatest of manners because he started Arsenal’s opening defeat against Brentford.

When Arsenal’s senior players returned to action, after injury and COVID issues at the time, Balogun took a backward step from the first team and his minutes dried up.

With Mikel Arteta needing another striker this summer, it doesn’t seem as though Balogun’s minutes will increase next season because Eddie Nketiah is ahead of him and another number nine should be purchased from the transfer market.

Either way, Campbell is expecting Balogun to head for the exit door once more and he thinks Patino will follow suit during the winter transfer window.

“I think Balogun will probably go out on loan again,” said Campbell. “I think Patino might not yet. I think he might train, be around the team, get some minutes in Europe and then maybe cup games.

“We have seen him score, then we saw him start a game against Nottingham Forest, who are now in the Premier League. Let’s be honest, they were too big and too strong in that midfield for a youngster.

“We are going to have to gauge where he is and then maybe in January, then maybe he goes out on loan. But I don’t see him going out on loan straightaway.”

ARSENAL RELYING ON YOUNGSTERS AGAIN?

The first names on Areta’s teamsheet are probably some of their young guns, including Bukayo Saka, who at the age of 20 is a starter at club and international level.

But whilst Saka can play alongside experienced stars for England, it’s not the case for him back at the Emirates where more proven stars need to be added to the squad.

That could come in the form of another senior striker this summer, as well as more depth in midfield and in the backline.

But will those in the Arsenal boardroom back Arteta? If not, then the mood around the place isn’t going to be a pleasant one when pre-season kicks off next month.