Arsenal Stay a ‘Possibility’ for Striker

Arsenal are back in action, as is transfer talk.

Fresh, which is one way of putting it, from leaving Elland Road with a 0-0 draw on Sunday night, talk has turned to players making their way to Arsenal and vice versa.

Folarin Balogun, labelled a contract rebel in some cases and mistreated in others, has been on the periphery of the senior team after making a name for himself for the Gunners in Premier League 2.

The quantity and quality of goals the striker has been scoring for Steve Bould‘s side prompted calls from supporters to see him earn his chance with the senior side, but the 19-year-old has struggled to make the jump up into the first team with opportunities not forthcoming.

Given the lack of chances, it was largely expected that the New York City-born forward would leave north London in the summer. Brentford previously had a £5m offer rejected in January, a fee Arsenal were quick to dismiss despite his lack of senior experience.

https://twitter.com/fbalogun67/status/1330851708252155911

Sheffield United then had a bid of £3m turned down in the summer, an offer they were unwilling to improve on given Balogun’s relative inexperience and length of contract remaining. Expiring in June, Balogun is free to speak to foreign clubs in January about a move at the end of his deal.

With talk of a contract extension failing to reach an amicable conclusion, it appeared as if Balogun’s days in north London were numbered. However, he made his senior debut as a substitute in this season’s Europa League campaign, indicating that he has a future in under Mikel Arteta.

And it’s the manager who is urging Arsenal to tie Balogun down long-term, with The Athletic revealing that talks have reopened over the possibility of extending the youngster’s time with the Gunners.

With his exit appearing inevitable, the situation is now considered a possibility.

Arsenal are within touching difference of securing qualification to the next round of the Europa League with two matches spare, which could grant Balogun and fellow members of the Under-23 squad the chance to garner valuable minutes with the senior side in the competition.

Balogun’s most recent outing came during the 1-0 home victory over Everton in the Premier League, where he needlessly got himself sent off for two avoidable yellow cards. Balogun is a serious talent and the news will be welcomed across the Arsenal fanbase.