Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has been sharing his thoughts on Gunners attacker Folarin Balogun and his potential inclusion in the squad for the north London club’s Premier League clash against Everton.
This comes after Watts recently uploaded a video onto his YouTube channel where he spoke about a range of topics concerning Mikel Arteta’s side prior to their match against the Toffees.
On the subject of Balogun and his potential inclusion in Arsenal’s squad for the game against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Watts had this to say on the matter.
He said: “There’s obviously the opportunity for Folarin Balogun to be involved, he was involved with first-team training yesterday so I imagine he will be in the squad tonight.
“I’ll be surprised if he isn’t, but you can’t really imagine that Mikel is going to suddenly throw him straight in even though he’s now agreed this new contract, he’s going to throw him straight in as the starter as a central striker on his own against a team like Everton, it would be a big ask.”
Balogun, who is a product of Arsenal’s youth academy, has made a total of 95 appearances for the north London club across their U18, U23 and senior team, scoring 62 goals and providing 16 assists along the way (as per Transfermarkt).
The 19-year-old, who is currently valued at £3.6 million, made his senior debut for Arsenal earlier this season during the 3-0 victory against Dundalk in their Europa League campaign.
Earlier this month it was reported that Balogun was close to signing a new deal with the north London club and ending any speculation over his future.
TIF Thoughts on Charles Watts’ comments on Balogun…
Given how both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be unavailable to play against Everton, it’s easy to see why Watts thinks Balogun could be involved in the squad to face the Toffees.
Would you start Folarin Balogun against Everton?
Yes
No
In our view, Balogun should at least be included in the squad for the Everton match, but with Eddie Nketiah managing to rescue a point for Arsenal in their recent 1-1 draw against Fulham with a late goal, perhaps Arteta should give Nketiah the start over Balogun.
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