Young Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is set to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club, according to The Athletic’s James McNicholas and David Ornstein. The teenager is out of contract at the end of the season and talks with the Gunners over an extension to his deal have been unsuccessful.
Folarin Balogun on Verge of Arsenal Exit
Agent Behind Departure
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes that Balogun wants to stay at the club but, in fact, it is his agent who is advising him against staying.
In a recent press conference, Arteta said: “You need three parties to make a deal. “For sure the club wants to make a deal and the manager wants to make a deal; the player wants to stay; and I’m not sure about the agent.”
Club Have Rejected Previous Offers
Balogun has been a wanted man for some time. Interest from other clubs goes back to last summer.
Arsenal rejected a £5 million bid from Championship side Brentford, while Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder made public his desire to sign the striker.
The club were reported to be in talks with Balogun over a new deal in November. However, it’s clear that they were unable to come to any agreement.
According to the report from The Athletic, Balogun is represented by Elite Project Group, who have also negotiated Arsenal contracts for the likes of Chuba Akpom, Alex Iwobi, Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka without any major hitches.
Balogun now, though, is able to negotiate with clubs outside of the UK as he is in the final six months of his contract.
Playing Time Questioned
It is thought that one of the main reasons Balogun is likely to leave the club is because of his limited playing time.
He has made five substitute appearances in cup competitions this season, notching two goals.
However, he is yet to make any appearance in the Premier League.
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