EPL: Folarin Balogun To Leave Arsenal – Per Mertesacker

Arsenal academy director, Per Mertesacker has insisted that striker Folarin Balogunto is set to leave the Gunners in the January transfer window.

 

Mertesacker said this while speaking at the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust Christmas Event ahead of their Premier League with Southampton on Saturday.

According to him, Balogun, who is considered one of the most promising talents to emerge from Arsenal’s youth system in recent times, would ‘likely’ leave Emirates on a temporary basis in a bid to get regular playing time.

Balogun is currently not playing regularly under Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta.

The 20-year-old has since been limited to just two substitute appearances against Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon in the league and Carabao Cup, respectively, this season.

“I think the closest, at the moment, to make that step is Flo Balogun,” Mertesacker said when asked which young Arsenal player fans should keep an eye on.

 

“He’s transferred into the first-team dressing room.

“He still plays Under-23s football and probably most likely will go on loan in January because you need extra exposure to get to that next level, so he needs to make that transition.”