Bayer Leverkusen are planning a “lucrative” offer to lure Folarin Balogun away from Arsenal when his contract expires in the summer, as reported by The Mirror.
With the teenage striker seemingly deciding his future lies away from the Emirates, Arsenal not only have a mountain to climb, they appear to be climbing the north face of the Eiger wearing socks and slippers.
The London giants haven’t given up hope yet of tying Balogun down to a new, long-term deal.
But they are fighting a losing battle, with the New York-born England U20 international under the impression first-team opportunities will be easier to come by elsewhere.
You can understand why he’d think that, too.
Despite his obvious talent – and Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal this season – Balogun hasn’t been included in a single Premier League squad during 2020/21.
“He has done really well,” Mikel Arteta said after the 19-year-old scored in December’s Europa League clash with Dundalk, praise that hasn’t been reflected in his team selection.
“Every minute he has been on that field he has been superb. Today he looked a threat again.
“He scored a goal, he set up another one and he looked really lively and mature on that pitch.”
Much to Arteta’s disappointment, however, it looks for all the world as though Balogun is going to continue his football education in the Bundesliga.
The powerful target man could follow in Jaden Sancho’s footsteps with Leverkusen joining Stuttgart in the race for his signature. Ligue 1 outfit Rennes are also interested.
Leverkusen have a fine track record when it comes to developing young talent, with Moussa Diaby, Kai Havertz, Kevin Volland and Leon Bailey making a name for themselves in the Bay Arena.
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