Arsenal starlet demands “a new challenge” after struggling under Mikel Arteta
Folarin Balogun continues to star for the U23s
Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun was expected to make the step up to the first team this season, after signing a new contract with the Gunners last season, declining interest from clubs in England and abroad to commit to remaining in north London.
However, he has struggled for minutes in the first team, especially given Eddie Nketiah’s surprising stay at the club, after being thought to be set to depart last summer.
As such, Balogun has been returned to plying his trade largely for the under 23s, where he continues to star. Indeed, he has shown on multiple occasions that he is far too good for the level he is playing at, most recently to complete a dramatic comeback against Leicester City.
The moment we completed our comeback from 3-0 down…@Balogun deep into stoppage time! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NZAvJFLHRz
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) November 7, 2021
However, he has now made his desire for a new challenge clear.
Starlet ready for a new challenge
After netting his first goal for the England U21s in their 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic, Balogun spoke to the media.
🏴 Congratulations on your first England U-21 goal, @balogun ❤️
💪 Keep up the good work pic.twitter.com/wu91TvEnnI
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) November 12, 2021
And, speaking to Alan Smith, the American starlet revealed he felt he needed to make a step up in his career, saying:
“I do feel like I’m ready for a new challenge but I’m not sure what that might be, it might be a loan or if I’m needed at Arsenal then I’m here & the gaffer knows that.”
Folarin Balogun tells @alansmith90:
“I do feel like I’m ready for a new challenge but I’m not sure what that might be, it might be a loan or if I’m needed at #AFC then I’m here & the gaffer knows that.”
January loan likely, as reported last month 👇https://t.co/ngVx2bcVp5
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) November 12, 2021
With three strikers currently ahead of him in the Arsenal pecking order, will we see Balogun head out on loan come January?
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