Whisper it, but Mikel Arteta just might give Folarin Balogun a long-awaited Premier League debut for Arsenal in tonight’s trip to Sheffield United.
Earlier this week it was reported by The Daily Mail that after months of looking like Balogun would be leaving Arsenal on a Bosman this summer, the 19-year-old is now set to sign a new deal after being convinced to stay by Arteta and technical director Edu.
The Gunners’ academy hitman is thought to want more first-team chances and it’s unlikely that he’d be committing his future to the North London club without guarantees that he’d get opportunities to shine.
And with Arsenal having very little to play for in the Premier League, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly being injured and Sheffield United being bottom of the table, it seems plausible that the Spanish coach may give Balogun a taste of things to come by rewarding him with a top-flight debut today.
With Aubameyang out and the Emirates Stadium side having a huge Europa League clash on Thursday, Arteta might not risk Alexandre Lacazette if it turns out he has to start in the Czech Republic next week.
Remember, Balogun has been linked to the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool, which means that if he’s staying at Arsenal, he’ll need to have a very good reason.
And by giving him a Premier League bow this evening, Arteta could show him that he’s serious.
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