Arteta still very positive that Balogun will remain a Gunner

Arteta positive Balogun will stay at the Emirates

 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has again come up with bit of a good news about Arsenal’s “so-called” prodigal footballer Folarin Balogun.

The striker who was born in New York before moving to England as an infant has been exceptional in the youth ranks at Arsenal. The 19-year-old has 20 goals and six assists for Arsenal’s U23 squad. His numbers at the U18 level are even more impressive at 38 goals and eight assists in just 41 appearances.

This is not just a player. This is the Player. Although the center-forward has just seven appearances for the first-team, all coming this season under Arteta, the striker exceeded expectations with his displays in those appearances.

The American born striker scored a beautiful goal, 37 seconds after coming on in a win against Norwegian side Molde in November. It somewhat reassured the spectators that the forward can thrive in the first-team environment, if given the opportunity. Even though the sample size is small, he did not look like a player who was just breaking through to the first-team.

What makes the 19-year-old so special is his versatility. The forward showed that he can link-up, hold-up and finish, all with great effect.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Burnley on Saturday, Mikel Arteta said that Edu and the club has been in positive conversations with Balogun and his agent.

The Spaniard said, ”I think I am pretty positive about it (Balogun staying) and every time I spoke to him, he mentions the same thing.

“That he’s determined to stay here and he wants to stay here. He has some really positive conversations with his agent as well and Edu is in charge of that. He’s been spending a lot of time and energy to make that deal happen because it’s important for us to keep our talent in the house, and what we can guarantee is that we’re doing everything we can to keep him.”

One of the best things Arsenal can do this year is to tie down their young star striker. If they manage to do so, Arsenal fans, no doubt, would flood the social media with comments such as “Don Edu has done it again!”

Yash Bisht

Tags Arteta Balogun

15 Comments

  1. Hmm, his comments are encouraging. I’m 100% MA is not lying or exaggerating.

    Besides, even if Balogun won’t ‘make the grade’, we can still sell him later on. The most imporant thing is not to let him go for free.

    Same for Laca and Nketiah this summer. Either they sign an extension or are sold. We must regenerate funds from player sales.

    Xhaka, Elneny, Bellerin, Cedric, should all follow.

    Off topic, but LOAN WATCH:

    Danny Ballard scored for B’pool and was MOTM
    Saliba played full 90 and was graded best defender in the game
    Matt Smith played 81 minutes in Charton’s 0-1 win

    I think Ballard and McGuinness have done so well in the League One this season that they are ready for Championship next season. In fact, Ballard has 3 MOTM from 10 starts and McGuinness also 3 from 17 starts. For a central defender, this is impressive.

    1. You forgot Mavropanos who still had a solid game and is still one of Stuttgart’s best defenders

      1. @Eddie,

        yes I forgot to mention Mavropanos, who has been tremendous for Stuttgart who apparently want to keep him for another season. I think we should renew Dinos’ contract and let him be there for another season to get as many games as he can stay fit.

    2. Very impressive!! I wonder now that Paul Lambert has left Ioswich, whether that will have an impact on McGuinness’.playing time?
      Great to see our loanees doing well…
      And look at Mavro – how well has he been doing over in Germany? 👍 Watch this space!

      1. Sue, some good loan spells by the look of things; however it is a worry for all players when a manager changes. Hopefully all remains well for Ballard, remembering what happened with Puilis and Gnabry.

    3. Didn’t know that about Ballard. That’s impressive. While Saliba has already won the Player of the Month at Nice I guess.

    4. I have to admit sending all these players out loan was a very good idea not only are they regularly playing but also performing well we should do like Chelsea have been doing for years getting the best young prospects sign them on long terms contracts develop /loan them and if they make the grade great otherwise sell them including either buy back sell on clause Chelsea will make money if Brighton decide to sell Tariq Lamptey!

  2. Dino only weaknesses are being injured most of the time and lack of experience. As long as he stays fit he will have a place at arsenal.

  3. “Arteta positive” i can’t remember a time when he hasn’t been anything than positive which by the way is not a criticism!

  4. Arteta, will obviously feel very let down by Falorin Balogun should he not renew his contract at Arsenal.

  5. No chance, Balogan will be on his bike come the summer transfer window.
    There’s already rumours of a new striker being brought in and although its likely Lacazette will be sold that still leaves Auba, Martinelli and Nketiah plus a new striker fighting for a first team spot.

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