Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell is urging the Gunners to tie Folarin Balogun down to a new deal.

There is growing concern around the contract situation of the Hale End Academy product as he has entered the final eight months of his deal and can begin discussing with foreign clubs as from the January transfer window.

Balogun was earlier frozen out of the club's first team reckoning after breakdown in contract talks but things have changed in recent weeks with the 19-year-old coming off the bench to make two appearances in the Europa League against Dundalk and Molde.

Campbell wants Arsenal to do everything possible to ensure the Anglo-Nigerian remains at the Emirates Stadium next season.

"It is very important if the club want to keep him but do the club want to keep him? If so you have to do the business and tie him down," Campbell said to Football Insider.

"I cannot believe that he has even got to the final year of his contract. It is a bad position for the club to be in because other clubs will be coveting the young man.

"He is a very talented young man. If Arsenal are serious they will tie him down to a new deal."

Born in New York City, Balogun has played nonstop at Arsenal since the age of eight.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel