Arsenal are reportedly open to offloading prodigious forward Folarin Balogun on a loan deal if the striker continues to struggle with game-time.
According to football.london, Arsenal are mulling over a potential loan move for Folarin Balogun. The young forward has struggled with form and lack of game-time during the early parts of the campaign. As such, the club is open to offloading him on a loan deal in the upcoming January transfer window.
Born in New York, Balogun has been a part of the Arsenal youth setup since 2011. He has since enjoyed a swift rise to prominence in the youth competitions before eventually getting promoted to the senior side this summer.
However, the 20-year-old forward has been a bit unfortunate with his first-team chances. The striker had only appeared in the Europa League last season, featuring in five matches. This time around, despite his promotion to the senior side, the youngster has featured in just two Premier League matches so far.
It appears Balogun has once again fallen behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order. In fact, he has had to once again play with the Under-23 side in the Premier League 2 this term, having netted four times in six matches so far this season.
The 20-year-old, though, could get lucky as Arsenal are preparing for life without Lacazette. The Frenchman’s contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the season, with the player being recently offered to AC Milan in January.
Meanwhile, his other competitor in Eddie Nketiah has also lost his place in the team. The youngster is likely set for a January exit as well, with Aston Villa and his former club Leeds United reportedly vying for his services.
Their potential twin departures from the Emirates might pave the way for Balogun to earn a more prominent role in the first-team. While he might still have to compete with Gabriel Martinelli, it will certainly open up certain possibilities for the prodigious forward.
However, at the same time, Arsenal are in the market for a few strikers and might be tempted to sign one, in the event of any departures. The Gunners have already registered interest in Torino star Andrea Belotti among many others, with Mikel Arteta determined to strengthen in ranks in the offensive unit.
