Football writer Charles Watts has claimed that a loan for Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun is ‘pretty much wrapped up’ after he was left out of the Gunners’ recent matchday squad.
Against Manchester City in the last Premier League game, the Gunners came close to claiming a result, but a silly penalty, a sillier red card and then a last-minute sucker-punch, saw Mikel Arteta’s men lose the match 2-1.
On the day, Eddie Nketiah wasn’t available after he was forced to self-isolate. With captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already absent away on international duty with Gabon, it would be fair to expect backup striking option Balogun to be picked on the bench.
However, the young striker wasn’t in the matchday squad. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts has suggested this means Balogun is probably set to go out on loan this month.
He said: “It was interesting that Balogun wasn’t on the bench [on Saturday] with Nketiah out. Whether that means that a loan deal for Balogun is pretty much wrapped up already, I would suggest it probably does, because they’ve been working for a good few weeks now to get this deal done and get Balogun out on loan.
“So we’ll have to wait and see exactly where it is. I still think a loan to a Championship club would be best for him.”
TIF Thoughts on Folarin Balogun and Arsenal…
Up to this point in the season, with just two Premier League appearances and no senior goals to his name, Balogun hasn’t had too many chances to impress.
Will Folarin Balogun do well out on loan?
Yes
No
Instead, he has spent most of his time playing at academy level. However, having scored 13 times in 11 Premier League 2 appearances, it does seem as if he is ready for a new challenge.
In recent times, Middlesbrough have been one Championship club linked with him. After being left out of the most recent squad, this deal could be pretty close to happening.
As Watts mentions, Arsenal have been working towards sorting him a loan move for a ‘good few weeks’, so it does seem as if the 20-year-old will be off to a new team in the near future.
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