Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that English Premier League club Arsenal are willing to sanction the sale of Nigerian youngster Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window.

The Gunners' priority is for the talented striker to remain at the club by putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract this month but they are mindful of the fact that he would leave for nothing or a nominal fee if he doesn't extend his stay.

Arsenal will entertain offers for Balogun as they are looking to recoup some of their investment in the 19-year-old who has been at the Emirates Stadium for more than ten years.

The Hale End Academy product wants guaranteed first-team football before committing his future to his boyhood club but Arsenal won't let him eat his cake and have it.

Arsenal have no intention of bringing him into the first team squad and handing him minutes unless he signs on the dotted line and that influenced the decision of manager Mikel Arteta to leave him out of the squad vs Newcastle United last weekend despite the striker training with the first team before the game.

The Gunners hierarchy believe Balogun would be alerting more clubs before potentially leaving the club on a free transfer if he is brought into the first team and does well.

Though some EFL Championship clubs are interested in Balogun's services, he has made it clear that he wants to play in Europe's top five leagues in the event that he departs Arsenal.

This website can confirm that RB Leipzig have not directly approached Arsenal over a move for Balogun but there's a 'bit of interest' from the German Bundesliga club and nothing has been agreed or signed.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com