Don Hutchison says Mikel Arteta’s transfer comments about the future of Folarin Balogun ‘aren’t real’ amid suggestions that he could secure a move away from Arsenal this summer.
After a successful loan spell at Stade de Reims last season, Folarin Balogun is now looking for assurances of his future after scoring 21 goals for the French club.
Mikel Arteta stated that the 22-year-old has done ‘incredibly well’ and ‘we want to see him’ as he prepares for a return to pre-season, with Arsenal currently in America.
But, former Liverpool midfielder Hutchison was having none of it and he claimed that his ‘words aren’t real’ and he thinks that, no matter what happens, Arteta will let the player go this summer, as he told ESPN.
Gabriel Jesus has been the one leading the line for the club since his move from Manchester City, with Eddie Nketiah playing a backup role and Kai Havertz arriving this summer.
Whilst Balogun would be a brilliant squad player for the club, it’s understandable that the player himself would want to leave in order to get those regular starts and progress his career again, with Hutchison sharing his thoughts.
“Those words aren’t real,” said Hutchison. “That’s a line from a manager that is buying himself a bit of time.
“Maybe it’s putting a carrot to him. Saying ‘make sure when you come back that you are fit, stronger, you are scoring and you are ready. If you do well, then we might keep you on’.
“But Arteta knows. I just think it’s a line from Arteta that’s buying himself a little bit of time knowing he is probably going to loan him out again.”
Balogun needs to leave
It would be great if Arteta can keep him on board because it beefs up his squad, but there’s no way Balogun will accept sitting on the bench on a regular basis.
With Romelu Lukaku returning to Chelsea this summer, it has been suggested that Inter want to take Balogun on board.
A move to the Champions League finalists would be outstanding for the American international trying to take his game to the next level.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
