Arsenal have a star on their hands in Folarin Balogun

Arsenal continues to dominate the Premier League. Amidst the winning and pursuit of Moises Caicedo, fans are still keeping an eye on Folarin Balogun. The young striker has seldom appeared for Arsenal’s first team but remains in the discussion surrounding the club’s future.

After his first loan to Middlesborough, some thought Mikel Arteta might recall him into the first-team squad, but the Spaniard had other plans. This season Balogun has lit up Ligue 1 leading the line for Stade Reims. The 21-year-old has 11 goals, the most for his age group or under in all of the top five leagues.

https://twitter.com/ESPNUK/status/1620021507681402881

It appears that Balogun may be following in the footsteps of Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal’s current number 14. Nketiah struggled for game time and often appeared as a sub in the late stages of games, leading some fans to overstep their judgment and frame the striker as average. Balogun has also struggled with playing time under Arteta. He appeared against Man City in a Covid-ravaged Arsenal side and made few other appearances under Arteta in England’s top flight.

However, with the opportunity of consistent playing time, Balogun has done the same as Nketiah, proving himself as one of the best young goalscorers in world football. Although the Arsenal board are attempting to sign the likes of Caicedo, and, according to recent reports, Jorginho, fans must remember that the Gunners have top talent currently abroad.

Arsenal are looking at midfielders in the market. The acquisition of Caicedo seems urgent but unlikely, and the main target appears to currently be Jorginho. However, Sambi Lokonga can be a formidable backup to Thomas Partey. The Belgian youngster simply needs more playing time in order to excel in the same way Balogun or Nketiah have.

Balogun is definitely one for the future and should be seen as a beacon of hope as this young Arsenal team continues to grow, progress and develop. For now, Arteta must focus on improving Sambi’s confidence through playing time and ensure the recruitment in January is enough to make a title push for the first time in two decades.