Arsenal striker of Nigerian descent Balogun given transfer advice by England U21 boss

England U21 boss Lee Carsley has pointed out that it would be difficult for Folarin Balogun to get regular playing time at Arsenal and is advising him to go out on loan to a club where he is guaranteed consistent minutes.

The Hale End Academy graduate was promoted to Arsenal's first team before the start of the season after committing his future to the club at the back end of the 2020-2021 campaign.

Balogun is behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli in manager Mikel Arteta's pecking order of strikers, limiting his game time to 77 minutes from a possible 1,260 in all competitions, and has been building up his match fitness with the U23s.

Carsley has argued that U23 football is too easy for the Anglo-Nigerian and the statistics back his claim with the center forward tallying nine goals in eight appearances in the Premier League 2 this term.

Speaking ahead of England U21s Euro qualifier against Czech Republic, Carsley was quoted as saying by the Mirror : "He’s probably missed out on that little bit of senior football. You need testing.

"Watching him in the Under-23s for Arsenal, it’s probably a little bit too easy for him and he’s passed that level.

"I imagine he wants to play for Arsenal and pushing for a position but it’s such a big club with a lot of competition.

"They’ll have a career path for him and a way to break through because he’s got all the attributes."

During England's win over Czech Republic U21s on Thursday night, Balogun made a good impression, scoring 30 minutes into his starting debut for the age group.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel