A WHOLE NEW GAME
Balogun sparks a scramble for his signature as he admits he may have to leave Arsenal on loan to get first team football
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 Under-21 goal against the Czech Republic, and wants senior games to boost his career.
He was watched by West Ham manager David Moyes and Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder this week. Balogun (above) has been prolific for Arsenal Under-23s and youth sides, and played in the season-opening firstteam defeats against Chelsea and Brentford, plus two cup games.
But he is hungry for more opportunities and is open to offers.
Balogun, who has studied videos of Arsenal legend Ian Wright to improve his game, said: “I am ready for a new challenge.
“I have played youth football for a while. I have scored goals at that level and improved at that level 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 a young player, you need minutes. It is the best way to learn and get consistency.”
The New York-born 20-year-old has spoken to England and Arsenal youngsters Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka for advice on making the next step, and they have urged patience.
Balogun, who has Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him in the Gunners’ strike force, said: “It is funny because this time last year Emile was playing Under-23s football, so it shows how quickly things can change around.
“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 practising, then you see the rewards – and when you are ready, you will take the opportunity. I am not at the level I want to be, but I know the performances I am putting in. 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 re-sign.
“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. I feel like whatever the plan is, I will give 100 percent, and it will work out as it has done the rest of my career.”
England U21 manager Lee Carsley said: “Players need opportunities. He (Balogun) has outgrown the Under-23s 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.”