Arsenal to make loan decision on Nigeria-eligible striker before January 2022

Folarin Balogun has struggled for minutes following his promotion to Arsenal's first team on a permanent basis before the season started.

There are speculations linking the Hale End Academy product with a temporary departure from the Emirates given that he has not played very much.

The Anglo-American-Nigerian youngster continues to gain match fitness with Arsenal's development squad, but the Premier League 2 appears too easy for him, with seven goals in his last six matches in the division.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the win against Leeds United, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed that the club will decide whether or not to loan out Balogun in December.

Asked if he will send Balogun on loan in January if the striker continues not to get first team minutes, Arteta answered : "We will see what happens. Again with Flo we have a really clear project and the steps that he's making they are the right steps.

"And don't forget he's really, really young, he hasn't played any professional football, almost any professional football, and you need to go through every phase, and don't try to jump phases when you are not ready to do so.

"Again I'm really happy with him, he's doing the right progress and in December we'll see where we are and what's the best for him as well".

Since the start of September, Balogun has played only seven minutes of football for Arsenal's first team, against AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com