'Slowly but surely' - Arsenal legend happy to see Balogun make rare start

Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell was delighted to see Hale End Academy product Folarin Balogun make a rare start against League One opponents Sunderland on Tuesday night.

The Anglo-American-Nigerian center forward was on parade for 56 minutes at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners demolished  Sunderland 5-1 to book their place in the semifinal of the Carabao Cup.

Given Balogun's lack of minutes in the first team, Campbell believes a loan move would be best for the striker to continue his development.

The England U21 international has been linked with possible moves to multiple Championship clubs in the January transfer window and he's also open to joining top-flight clubs in the German Bundesliga and French Ligue 1.

With sixteen goals for Arsenal's development squad this term, youth football is too easy for Balogun and he has been advised to move to a club where is guaranteed game time.

"I’m also so glad to see Balogun given his opportunity as well. I was hoping to see that," Campbell said to Football Insider.

"Balogun is getting there slowly but surely. I think he will be going out on loan in January so he can get more minutes under his belt, proper minutes in league football.

"I think it was smart of Arteta to give him a start last night."

Balogun has played nonstop at Arsenal since the age of eight.

Igho Kingsley