Arsenal: Folarin Balogun might sign a new deal with a new club

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun 19-year-old has an amazing record for Arsenal’s Under 23 this season, scoring eight and giving two bits of help in 16 games, the forward has moreover scored twice in five substitute appearances for the senior side.

Arsenal are close to agreeing on a new deal with striker Folarin Balogun which would keep him at the club for the long term. Balogun’s current contract runs out this summer but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have convinced the player his future is at the Emirates.

The 19-year-old forward has an impressive record for Arsenal’s U23s this season, scoring eight and providing two assists in 16 games. Balogun also scored twice in five substitute appearances for the senior side.

Prior to making the step-up to the U23s Balogun starred for Arsenal’s U18s in their title-winning season, starting 19 games and scoring 25 goals including two hat-tricks and a four-goal haul.

New York-born Balogun has represented both England and the USA at the U18 level but is also eligible to play for Nigeria.

“I’m still very positive that Flo is going to stay with us,” he said in February. “It’s what we’re trying to do as a club, and it’s what I’m trying to do as a manager. As far as I know, the player wants to be here, so I’m positive. I think he’s made some big progress in a few months.”  – Mikel Arteta

A lot will now depend on what happens with the other Arsenal strikers this summer.

If Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both move on, then Balogun could get plenty more opportunities in the first-team next season – but a loan move can’t be ruled out, with a season of regular senior football elsewhere potentially an appealing option for Arsenal as they look to develop the talented young forward.