It appeared inevitable that Arsenal were going to lose Folarin Balogun for nothing in the summer, but there could be some late hope that things will change.
It’s been confirmed that all he’s looking for his a chance to play football, so he would’ve been open to staying at the club if they actually gave him some opportunities to play:
Balogun always been open to stay at Arsenal… but he needs to play. This is the priority for Folarin and his agents.
If he plays more, he’ll be consider a new contract. If not, Balogun will decide among 15 clubs that approached him as free agent. Nothing done/signed yet ? #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2021
At least that suggests his decision to leave is purely for sporting reasons and it’s not like he’s holding a grudge against Arsenal, but reports have emerged today which suggest he’s on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club.
That also indicates that Arsenal don’t have much time to change his mind, but there could be a late change in circumstances with the news that West Ham are looking to sign Eddie Nketiah:
Arsenal striker Nketiah a target for West Ham after Haller exit
????????? ?? @sr_collings & @JackRosser_ https://t.co/UlDvFvyz55
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 8, 2021
That report also touches on Balogun’s situation, and they claim that all he wants is some assurances over his playing time and Arsenal would be able to promise him more playing time if Nketiah actually leaves.
They go on to say that Nketiah only has 18 months left on his deal and Arsenal are open to selling him on a permanent basis, so there could still be some late drama that sees Balogun change his mind and commit his future to the club.
Keeping Bolagun is the better option for sure. So,whether, it’s a loan deal (preferred) for Nketiah or Arsenal selling him, Bolagun must replace Nketiah in the squad. Arsenal cannot afford to make the same mistakes they did in losing Gnabry, Bennacer and Donyell with Bolagun.
Think that would be a good bit of business personally. Balogun has a better first touch, seemingly better finishing, and more composure and calmness in front of goal.
It’s early days and we haven’t seen too much of the young man, but being almost 2 years younger and he also appears to have a higher ceiling than Nketiah.
Edie hasn’t really carried on from his accomplishments in U-23’s, and as a club trying to get back to the CL we really can’t afford to wait for him to come good. I would sell the West Ham or anyone, and create more opportunities for Balogun.
Be careful what you wish for… I feel that Eddie is a very good player. He is that fox in the box striker all teams like to have. I understand that he ain’t showing what he can do right now in this arsenal team but I really really think he is good and compare him to Jermaine Defoe. I am not surprised in the slightest that West Ham are interested.. he will do well for them.
I can see him playing for Spurs also one day if he reaches his potential…Lol.. but seriously I do.
Apart from the exit of Martinez, every other players linked with exit, except Balogun, is welcome.
yes balogun is battrer, we don’t want to lost him let nketia go.
Balogun outstanding performance proves he deserves a place in arsenal squad, unlike nketiah, he look like he needs more time dat we fans cannot give, I suggest he makes way for balogun to come in.
Balogun has great potential…his anticipation is already topnotch. Liverpool are a top.top club who recognise emerging talent.. Take note and keep him !
Balogun is important and so is Nketiah they are both going to replace Laca and Auba , they can both play a part.
Balogun is 2 years younger, but Nketiah is better than him in almost every aspect of the game.
Many fans would prefer to sell Eddie, and kep Flo but mostly because
– they think he every player in the first team is equally responsible for the terrible results earlier this season
– they haven’t seen Balogun playing for 90 minutes
– they believe that the prudent stand is to always keep the younger guy ‘for the future’
– they are plain dumb
Not sure Arteta has the sharpness to see Balogun is better than Nketiah, and in three years time Balogun will be worth big money. Arsenal are crap at the moment and if they let players like Balogun go elsewhere they will remain crap.
Arsenal shd concentrate on quality rather than quantity. Have fewer players and than les problem. There are pros and cons.
If he were to leave and turns out to be another Gnabry,Arsenal will be kicking themselves
I suggest arsenal keep Folarin and sell Nketiah,if a club like Liverpool is pulling fast to buy Folarin i think we know what that means,we should have learn our lesson from gnarby,onces beaten twice shy.
i can’t afford to lose Nketia, dat guy is a big fish. If to see Nketia off will make Balogun stay den lets loan him. I repeat i can’t afford to lose Nketia
loan out Nketia and leave Balogun if Liverpool wants him that must be an eye opener.