Arsenal have restarted contract talks with Florian Balogun, according to The Athletic.
The publication are claiming that Mikel Arteta has decided to keep the young forward at the club after it seemed likely he would exit N5.
Balogun was subject to a £3m plus add ons bid from Sheffield United during the summer transfer window, an offer that was rejected by the Gunners.
It would be great if the Gunners can keep a hold of the youngster, who has impressed during his time with the youth teams. In reality, the Gunners are struggling in the number nine position despite having a raft of options.
Should Balogun be given some opportunities in the first-team?
Yes
No
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn’t scored from open play since the opening day of the season, meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are enjoying goal droughts themselves, six and four league games respectively.
With potency proving a big problem, the England youth international is exactly the man who can change the Gunners’ fortune. At just 19-years of age and with over 50 goals in 81 youth games, his blend of youth and quality is just the thing needed in the first-team.
Some young players tend to carry this fearlessness when they enter first-team football as if they have nothing to lose. England are the best example of this in world football with a raft of young stars making their way to first-team football.
From Trent-Alexander Arnold in defence to Jadon Sancho in attack, youth have shown just how well they can do when given the chance. Arteta should take that opportunity with Balogun and introduce him into the first-team fold more often in weeks to come.
In other news, find out which Premier League player Adrian Clarke is pleading Arsenal to sign.
