Official: Arsenal promote another Nigeria-eligible youngster to first team, handed new jersey no

Published: July 16, 2021

Folarin Balogun has become the second Nigeria-eligible youngster promoted to Arsenal's first team ahead of the new season, after goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Arsenal have introduced their home kits for the 2021-2022 season and Balogun has been listed as a first-teamer by the official website of the Gunners.

The two Anglo-Nigerian players - products of Arsenal's Hale End academy - have been promoted to the first team on a permanent basis after extending their contracts with the club.

For the upcoming campaign, the 20-year-old center forward has been allocated the number 26 jersey.

When Balogun made his professional debut in a Europa League fixture against Dundalk, he stepped out on to the Emirates Stadium turf with the number 38 on the back of his jersey.

The number 26 jersey has been worn in the past by Emiliano Martínez, Emmanuel Frimpong, Nicklas Bendtner, Abu Ogogo, Quincy , Igors Stepanovs, Moritz Volz, Fabián Caballero, Vince Bartram and Lee Harper.

Balogun and Okonkwo are in contention to feature when Arsenal take on Joe Aribo's Glasgow Rangers in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 17.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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