Millwall loanee Dan Ballard has his sights firmly fixed on joining Bukayo Saka as a first-team regular at Premier League giants Arsenal, speaking to News At Den.
If some north London natives had their way, Ballard would be heading back across the city today, the contract that took him to Millwall on a season-long loan ripped up into a million tiny pieces.
The 22-year-old has been mightily impressive during his time at the Championship club, starting every one of the Lions’ 11 league games under Gary Rowett so far.
He’s not done badly on international duty either, earning plenty of praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright after scoring in Northern Ireland’s 4-1 win over Lithuania last month.
And while Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes appear to have formed an excellent partnership at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s once-creaking back line, plenty of Gunners fans would take the aggressive, commanding Ballard over the unconvincing Rob Holding or Pablo Mari any day.
Can Dan Ballard join Saka as a Premier League regular at Arsenal?
“Yeah, I think that’s got to be the goal,” Ballard replied when asked whether he harbours hope of securing a first-team berth at his parent club.
“Of course I’m fully focused on staying in this Millwall team and working extremely hard. I want to get as much game time as possible and help Millwall win every game possible.
“But, of course, there’s an end goal, whether it be next year or in two, three years, I think the main goal is to play for Arsenal.”
Ballard played alongside Saka at U21 level.
And he will take plenty of inspiration from the way Arsenal’s twinkle-toed number seven went from a little-known teenager to a Premier League talisman and England international in less than two years.
“He’s just an amazing character, certainly the nicest footballer I’ve ever met,” adds Ballard, who also spent time on loan at Blackpool last season.
“He’s such as a genuine, hard-working person. What you see in glimpses is exactly what he’s like. It’s not show, it’s not acting.
“He’s probably one of Arsenal’s best players – and he’s shown that again this season.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
