Arsenal are confident that teenage striker Folarin Balogun will sign a new contract at the Emirates.
The 19-year-old’s existing deal has only five months left to run, and Balogun has reportedly been of interest to many clubs across Europe.
Arsenal Confident of New Contract for Folarin Balogun
Increased Game Time Will Factor Into Balogun’s Decision
The Evening Standard are reporting that Balogun is “weighing up his options” before deciding whether to sign a new contract at Arsenal. The forward may yet decide that opportunities will be easier to come by elsewhere, having only made five appearances for the North London club this season.
Alternatively, Balogun may decide that Arsenal remains the best place for him to continue his development. He is enjoying a fine season with the club’s U23s, having scored seven goals across 14 matches for Per Mertesacker‘s academy side.
Mikel Arteta Remains ‘Positive’ of Balogun Stay
First-team manager Mikel Arteta has meanwhile asserted his belief that Balogun will eventually sign a new contract and commit his future to the club.
“I’m still very positive that Flo is going to stay with us and it’s what we’re trying to do as a club, and it’s what I’m trying to do as a manager,” Arteta said of Balogun’s prospects.
The Spaniard has made the development of young players a key component of his reign at the Emirates so far. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have established themselves as key players for the club, while fellow youngsters such as Emile Smith-Rowe have excelled throughout the current season.
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Arsenal Set for Tricky Run of Fixtures
Arteta’s side have five key fixtures to play before the end of February. Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United visit the Emirates on Sunday before the Europa League tie last-32 tie with Portuguese giants Benfica sandwiches another important league game against Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers’ in-form Leicester City side then host the Gunners on February 28 in the Premier League.
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