With Arsenal duo Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah contracts expiring in the summer of 2022, it makes you think what the future holds for Folarin Balogun.
The youngster is yet to agree on an extension on his current deal which expires at the end of the season. However, Mikel Arteta has spoken of his admiration of the youngster and seems keen on holding on to him beyond this summer.
But, with a lack of clarity over the futures of the two strikers ahead of him in the pecking order, surely it’s a lot easier to convince him he has a starring role at the club? Right?
Should Balogun be given some opportunities in the first-team?
Yes
No
Confusion reigns supreme in this scenario especially given how certain it seems that Lacazette will exit the club at the end of the current campaign. According to football.london, the north London giants will be willing to sell the forward if the right offer comes in.
Meanwhile, West Ham are thought to have included the England under-21s’ all-time top scorer on a shortlist of strikers for the summer window.
But, Balogun still seems no closer to that elusive agreement for a new contract at the club. As a matter of fact, it seems as though he could be heading for the exit door if you were to take a closer look at his social media activity. The Hale End academy product deleted all of his posts on Instagram, potentially hinting at a huge announcement regarding his future.
Letting the 19-year-old leave the club would be a huge mistake on the club’s part especially after his stunning start to life in the first-team. Across just 74 minutes of senior football, Balogun has already scored two goals and assisted one. His displays in the Europa League have hinted towards a player, who is ready to take the world of football by storm.
The lack of clarity over his future, when the future of the two ahead of him are far from clear makes for pretty grim reading. I’d be surprised if he was at the club next season and should he leave, you’d hope the club have an adequate replacement on the cards.
In other news, Gareth Southgate has waxed lyrical about this Arsenal duo.
