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Mikel Arteta speaks on Folarin Balogun's Arsenal future
Mikel Arteta speaks on Folarin Balogun's Arsenal future
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he wants Folarin Balogun to stay at the club and talks are underway over a contract renewal.
The Gunners graduate was touted to leave the Gunners earlier this summer as he had entered the final year of his deal.
Sheffield United were deemed favourites to sign him, but they refused to meet the Gunners' £15m price tag for the marksman.
Hence, they decided to keep hold of Balogun and the teenager has caught the eye in the Europa League by scoring two goals off the bench.
He also contributed his maiden assist during the 4-2 win at Dundalk and speaking after the game, Arteta said that he wants Balogun to stay put.
"We know the length of his contract at the moment is an issue, but we are trying to resolve it in the best possible way," he said.
We want him to stay. He said to me he wants to stay at the club, so hopefully we can reach an agreement and extend his contract."
Balogun is unlikely to make his Premier League debut anytime soon with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him in the pecking order for the striker's role.
As such, he may have to remain patient to get his chance and it remains to be seen whether the club's hierarchy are able to make the breakthrough in the contract negotiations.
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