Mikel Arteta has suggested that Folarin Balogun is behind Eddie Nketiah in the pecking order to play up-front at Arsenal, on the club’s official website.
Balogun has waited for first-team opportunities at Arsenal this season, but they have not been particularly free flowing.
The youngster has only been given a handful of appearances for the Gunners, and has often missed out on first-team squads.
Balogun’s lack of game time has led to concerns forming over whether he will stay at the Emirates Stadium, as his contract runs down.
And Arteta has confirmed that, despite these fears, Balogun still is a far way down in his thinking to play up-front, with Nketiah his preferred choice.
“Because of the competition we have now and because there are other players that haven’t had many minutes and they’ve played in the FA Cup,” Arteta said.
“It takes time. We have to respect that with Eddie, he’s not been playing a lot recently as well and he’s in front of him at the moment and we have to be calm and respectful.”
Arteta’s words suggest that Balogun may miss out on featuring for Arsenal again at the weekend.
The Gunners are expected to make changes to their line-up in the FA Cup against Southampton, but 21-year-old Nketiah now looks the most likely player to lead the line.
That may be a disappointment for Balogun, who has stressed his desire to play first-team football.
Balogun has plenty of interest building in him, and with only six months left on his current deal, it seems he may take some convincing to stay with the Gunners.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
