Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Football.London that Folarin Balogun has to fight for his place in his team.
Arteta has said that Balogun has done well for the Gunners in recent times.
The Arsenal boss is pleased to see how the 20-year-old striker has progressed.
However, Arteta has made it clear that the England Under-21 international striker will have to work hard to get into the starting lineup.
Balogun made his Premier League debut for Arsenal against Brentford due to fellow strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette missing because of coronavirus.
Arteta told Football.London about Balogun: “He made his debut against Brentford, he played the following game against Chelsea as well.
“It’s been a big, big step for him in the last few months. He had a pre-season with us so he’s already done a lot with us in the few months.”
The Arsenal boss added: “He’s another player in the squad who has to fight for his place and show that he’s available to do that.”
Will Folarin Balogun get game-time?
Aubameyang and Lacazette are established and senior strikers who are going to be big for Arsenal this season, just as they have been in recent years.
True, Aubameyang has not been scoring regularly since last season, but Arteta will know just how good the Gabon international is.
Lacazette did relatively well last season when Aubameyang was struggling, scoring 13 goals in the Premier League.
Remember, Eddie Nketiah is also in the Arsenal squad.
Balogun is only 20 and is just starting professional career.
This season will be more about learning and getting valuable experience for Balogun.
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