According to Daily Mail, Folarin Balogun is set for a contract extension at Arsenal. After months of uncertainty, it appears the Gunners are finally closing in on a new deal for the highly-rated youngster, whose current contract at the club expires at the end of the season. His prolonged stay at the club could be a massive boost for the club, but can the striker shine at Emirates next season?
Folarin Balogun’s Spell At Arsenal So Far
Prior to the start of the ongoing campaign, Folarin Balogun was labelled among youngsters to make their Premier League breakthrough with Arsenal, along with the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli. The young striker was lethal at the youth level, showing immense potential and was almost destined for success at the highest level.
Unfortunately, things haven’t gone according to plan for Balogun this season. Despite his exemplary record in the Elite Development Squad, the Englishman has been bereft of first-team opportunities by Mikel Arteta, with the player yet to even appear in a single Premier League match.
Balogun has made four appearances in the Europa League, even scoring twice while registering an assist. But, those performances have not transformed into tangible progress as Arteta has continued to rely on the services of his main options.
Can He Shine At Emirates Next Season?
Although Balogun has been unfortunate with a lack of chances under Mikel Arteta, the upcoming campaign could bring about major changes in Arsenal’s attacking camp.
Both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang have struggled with either form or consistency, with at least one of them almost destined to leave Emirates at the end of the season. In addition, Eddie Nketiah’s progress has been halted after a promising start to the campaign.
It will leave Arsenal scouring for potential reinforcements in the number nine unit, paving the way for someone like Balogun to earn a prominent role in the senior squad.
The youngster’s pace, coupled with his aggression and versatility should serve him well under Arteta while the 19-year-old also has the ability to sniff goalscoring opportunities. It would make him an interesting option for Arsenal, who themselves have enjoyed a lot of success with their academy products in recent years.
