Folarin Balogun is a man in high demand ahead of the January transfer window, and Mikel Arteta has spoken with the Arsenal talent over his immediate future, per football.london.
The Gunners want to send several of their promising young players out on loan in the mid-season market. They view the window as an opportunity for prospects to get regular senior game time that has not been on offer at the Emirates Stadium so far this season.
Balogun has attracted a wealth of potential suitors for a temporary transfer with his efforts in Arsenal’s Under-23s. The 18-year-old has scored six goals in four PL2 games and assisted once, after netting nine in 18 last term.
Balogun’s efforts at junior level have not returned many first-team opportunities at Arsenal under Arteta, however. Despite playing in their first two Premier League fixtures this term, and starting against Brentford, he has not featured since. The teenager also only played the final seven-minutes of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup win over League One side Wimbledon.
Arteta has spoken with Balogun and offered the youngster assurances over his role in the Arsenal first-team going forward. The Spaniard will award the Hale End graduate minutes in the senior fold this season, but it remains to be seen when – and how often – he will play.
Arsenal also want to strengthen their striker options in upcoming markets with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to leave. The pair are out of contract in June and see their futures beyond the current campaign away from north London.
Should Arsenal send Balogun out on loan in January transfer window?
Prior reports by football.london had claimed Arsenal will consider sending Balogun out on loan in the January transfer window if game time under Arteta continues to be limited.
After starting against Brentford and featuring as a substitute against Chelsea, Balogun has not featured in any of Arteta’s last five Premier League matchday squads. He also left the Gunners prospect out of his plans in the EFL Cup against West Brom in August.
Arteta knows Arsenal have an exciting prospect on their hands in Balogun, but a loan move may prove beneficial. The U23s sensation can prove his potential in a first-team scenario away from the pressures at the Emirates Stadium. Where Arteta had to rely on experienced players to turn the tide after their troubled start to the top-flight campaign.
“He’s a very, very hungry boy,” Arteta told Sky Sports of Balogun in April. “He wants to do everything, he wants to practice more every single day. He has unique qualities as a striker – his speed and the way he holds the ball. [And] he’s a real goal threat and he works tremendously hard.”
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