Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal’s official website that Folarin Balogun is now ‘fit and available’.
Balogun is currently being linked with a move away from Arsenal, as he has still not penned a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Arteta has insists that the young striker is a potential selection choice for him at the weekend, when Arsenal take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
“He is fit and available,” Arteta said. “Again, his progression and the use of the time that he’s had with us has been incredible. He will keep having chances while he’s with us.”
If Arsenal are to keep hold of Balogun they may have to convince him that first-team chances will come his way.
Starting him in the FA Cup could be a good way to do that, but the teenager’s route into the first-team is no longer clear.
Alexandre Lacazette has recently hit a good run of scoring form, while Gabriel Martinelli has also returned to fitness.
Balogun has looked exciting on his brief appearances for Arsenal’s senior side so far, but it now looks a genuine possibility that he could develop elsewhere, with his contract having just months remaining.
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