Folarin Balogun was left out of Arsenal’s FA Cup matchday squad on Saturday evening amid rumours that Liverpool are interested in signing him.
The Athletic recently reported that Liverpool are looking to raid their Premier League rivals for the highly-rated teenager.
Given that managers in today’s game tend to make changes for FA Cup matches, especially the big boys, it is perhaps a sign that Balogun’s future lies elsewhere because he didn’t even make the matchday cut.
Youngsters such as Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli (before his injury), Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson all featured in Arsenal’s FA Cup squad against Newcastle, but Balogun didn’t.
Whilst Balogun isn’t a player that Liverpool need right now, it’s perhaps a sign that he is heading for the Emirates exit door and perhaps walking into Anfield.
Nonetheless, if Liverpool sign Balogun then it would bring back memories of the Merseyside club signing Dominic Solanke many years ago because it has a similar feel.
He joined the Reds as another highly-rated talent from another London club – Chelsea – but he didn’t live up to expectations.
If Balogun does make a similar switch then he will be hoping to have a better impact than the player now plying his trade in the Championship for Bournemouth.
Until then, Arsenal fans will be hoping their academy star can resolve his contract issue and add to the bright futures a number of their youngsters have.
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