ARSENAL’S England Under-20 striker Folarin Balogun is tipped for a free exit this summer following a contract dispute – with Liverpool amongst his many admirers.
New York-born Balogun, 19, has previously been linked with Brentford and Sheffield United, having been with the Gunners since he was eight.
New York-born Folarin Balogun could be off to Liverpool if the teenager leaves Arsenal in the summer after 11 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But in describing Balogun’s summer departure as “increasingly likely” The Athletic’s David Ornstein also suggested the starlet favours a move abroad.
Balogun is thought to have re-opened talks over a new Arsenal contract last month.
And although negotiations seem to have stuttered, manager Mikel Arteta is still understood to hope the frontman stays.
The Gunners reportedly rejected a bid from Sheffield United last summer.
And Balogun is said to have turned down a £5million switch to Championship side Brentford in January.
Ornstein tweeted: “Although Balogun’s domestic admirers include Liverpool, he can speak to foreign clubs from January 1 & that route is understood to hold greatest appeal at present, particularly Germany.”
Gunners’ fans on social media reacted to Balogun’s possible exit mainly with disappointment.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
One said: “A very big mistake if Arsenal let him go” and another claimed: “Absolute joke”.
It was also argued Balogun was “better than (Eddie) Nketiah”.
And on supporter predicted: “We will end up regretting as usual…”
Fellow forward Nketia, 21, is England U-21s’ record scorer with 14 goals but has yet to earn a regular starting spot for Arteta’s men.
Arteta says Arsenal have let themselves down and only they can change that
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
