Arsenal are reportedly set to lose Folarin Balogun for free in the summer, with the youngster unhappy with his game-time at the Emirates
The Express has compiled a report on the future of Folarin Balogun, who is unhappy at Arsenal. The forward has struggled with a lack of game-time, with his current contract at the Emirates set to expire at the end of the season. As a result, a permanent move away from north London could be on the horizon this summer.
Folarin Balogun is one of many players that have struggled at the Emirates this season, including ex-Arsenal youth star Eddie Nketiah. Both the strikers have failed to get proper game-time under Mikel Arteta despite the underwhelming performances from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Balogun, in particular, being restricted to just 61 minutes of Europa League football this term.
The New-York born frontman has not exactly failed to perform, notably netting two goals in the competition. In addition, the youngster has been in inspiring form in the Elite Development League, having found the back of the net seven times in just 12 games. It has put a number of clubs across Europe on high alert, especially with the striker set to be available on a free transfer in the summer.
It was indeed quite surprising to see Arsenal failing to offload or extend the contract of Balogun in the January transfer window. The Gunners were quite busy otherwise, notably sanctioning the departures of fringe players like Mesut Ozil, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Joe Willock among a few others.
The Express report does not disclose any interested parties, but the young attacker was linked with a move to RB Leipzig last month. The Bundesliga itself looks the likeliest destination for Balogun considering the influx of English players in the league, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham thriving in the German top-flight.
As for Arsenal, the club has enjoyed a good run of form, of late, notably experiencing a run of seven unbeaten games in the Premier League, prior to their recent loss to Wolves. The inspiring form of Alexandre Lacazette has boosted their chances of making a solid recovery during the second half of the campaign, but tensions regarding the future of the Frenchman remains.
In addition, Nketiah himself has been linked with a move elsewhere, so the potential departure of Balogun could spell further problems for Arsenal. It could also spark a lot of outrage of fans, knowing the youngster’s incredible talent and potential.
