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Per Mertesacker reveals which Arsenal youngster is the closest to senior football
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker says Gunners youngster Folarin Balogun is the “closest” to senior football at the moment.
The 37-year-old also claims Balogun is likely to go on loan in January to develop his game further.
Balogun is one of the most exciting prospects to come through the Hale End ranks in recent years.
He recently penned a new contract at Arsenal, which prompted many fans to rejoice.
And at the start of the season, the 20-year-old featured for the Arsenal senior team.
Balogun started against Brentford and came off the bench against Chelsea.
He also got seven minutes off the bench against Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
However, Balogun’s now back in the Under-23s, where he’s clearly head and shoulders above everyone else.
In just 13 Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy appearances, Balogun has scored a staggering 16 goals.
has reported that several clubs are hoping to land the young striker on loan.
And speaking at the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust Christmas Event, Mertesacker revealed that Balogun could indeed go out on loan.
“I think the closest, at the moment, to make that step is Flo Balogun,” he said – as quoted by – when asked which youngsters Arsenal fans should be keeping an eye on.
“He’s transferred in to the first team dressing room.
“He still plays 23s football and probably most likely will go on loan in January.
“Because you need extra exposure to get to that next level so he needs to make that transition.”
Balogun is a top prospect who Mikel Arteta has – and finally it looks as though he’ll be making the next step.