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Arsenal prodigy Folarin Balogun admits Gunners future is in doubt as clubs queue up


The Arsenal striker wants to play senior football and could be available in January with England U21 boss Lee Carsley saying he has outgrown youth football and needs to be tested

Folarin Balogun scored his first England U21 goal against Czech Republic

Folarin Balogun has triggered a scramble for his loan signature – after admitting he could quit Arsenal to get first team football.

The strike prodigy grabbed his first England U21 goal against the Czech Republic, and wants senior games to boost his career.

He was watched by West Ham boss David Moyes and Boro boss Chris Wilder this week.

Balogun has been prolific for Arsenal U23 and youth sides for years, and played in the season opening first team defeats against Chelsea and Brentford plus two cup games.

But he is hungry for more opportunities – and is open to offers.







BURNLEY, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: Folarin Balogun of England in action during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England U21s and Czech Republic U21s on November 11, 2021 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)



Balogun, who has studied videos of Arsenal Ian Wright to improve his game, said: “I feel like I am ready for a new challenge.

“I feel like I have played youth football for a while. I have scored goals at that level and improved at that level drastically compared to now. At the same time I am not sure what that challenge might be.

“It might be a loan, or if I am needed at Arsenal I am here and the gaffer knows that as well.

“I feel like I am definitely open to a new challenge, wherever it is I will be ready.

“As a striker and as a young player you need minutes. It is the best way to learn and get consistency.”







LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Flo Balogun of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Joel Lopez after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Brighton & Hove Albion U23 at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)



The New York born 20-year-old has spoken to England and Arsenal kids Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka for advice on making the next step, and they have urged patience.

Balogun, who has Pierre-Emerick, Alexandre Aubameyang and Eddie Nketia ahead of him in the Gunners’ strike force, added: “It is funny because this time last year Emile was playing U23 football so it shows how quickly things can change around in football.

“I speak to Emile and Bukayo a lot. They tell me to be patient. They tell me it is not an overnight thing, which it hasn’t been for them. It would be naive for me to think that.

“You just have to keep practicing, then you see the rewards and when you are ready you will take the opportunity.







BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Flo Balogun of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Arsenal at Brentford Community Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)



“I know I am not at the level I want to be, but I know the performances I am putting in. I know I am going in the right direction.”

Asked if Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a plan for him, Balogun added: “I would like to get minutes at Arsenal. I am not sure what his plans are.

“We did speak prior to me signing my contract and he said I should trust in him and that he has a plan for me. That was a big reason I stayed and decided to resign.

“I wouldn’t say I know his plan, per se, but there is a plan and I have spoken about it with various people at Arsenal.”




“I have complete faith in the gaffer and yeah, I feel like whatever the plan is I will give 100pc and it will work out as it has done the rest of my career.”

England U21 boss Lee Carsley said: “Players need opportunities. He has outgrown the U23s and needs testing at senior level. He is coming along nicely and I am sure Arsenal know what they are doing with him.

“Our ideal scenario is that he plays for Arsenal, but he needs testing. Sometimes they need to be in a different changing room.”


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