Arsenal have reopened talks with Folarin Balogun’s representatives over a new contract, according to a report from The Athletic.
The teenager is one of the Gunners’ most talented youngsters but his contract expires at the end of this season.
Balogun was offered a new deal by Arsenal but he demanded assurances over game time – something Mikel Arteta and Edu couldn’t promise.
The young striker rejected the offer and Arsenal told him he could leave in the summer (Goal). Sheffield United tried hard to sign him, but the Gunners’ demands proved too much (Goal).
With the deal seemingly over, many expected Balogun to leave Arsenal for a small fee in January or for free when his contract ends in July.
However, Arteta gave him an opportunity in the Europa League against Dundalk last month and that might have changed the youngster’s mind.
In his Athletic piece David Ornstein claimed the Arsenal boss is keen to keep hold of the teenager and the Gunners are in talks over a new contract.
It appears positive news for the Gunners.
Alexandre Lacazette doesn’t look like the player he once was while Eddie Nketiah is still behind the Frenchman in the pecking order.
If the former Lyon man is sold in the summer, Balogun could get more opportunities in the first team – but he needs to extend his deal for that to happen.
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