ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun is out of contract this summer and has stalled on agreeing to new terms for much of the season, but Mikel Arteta has confirmed the 19-year-old has reached a decision on his future
The 19-year-old striker has stalled on signing an extension throughout the season amid heavy interest from Bundesliga clubs and numerous Premier League rivals.
This left Emirates chiefs concerned they could lose one of their most promising youngsters this summer when his current contract expires.
But Balogun is ready to end speculation over his future by penning a new deal.
Arteta confirmed the encouraging news in his press conference ahead of the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League quarter-final tie with Slavia Prague on Thursday.
“We’re going to make it official once everything is done,” Arteta told reporters of Balogun’s new deal.
Balogun made his senior Gunners debut in the Europa League in October and has scored twice in his five appearances to date.
Quizzed on how he persuaded the US-born England U20 star to stay, Arteta said:”We just tried to, first of all, understand why he got to the point that he was really thinking about leaving the football club after being raised here and the feelings he’s built towards the club.
The Gunners boss explained how he convinced Balogun to stay
“Once you understand his position, you try to explain what you want to do, how involved he’s going to be in the project, and how and then get the full commitment from the club and support.”
The teenager was previously likened to former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright by Martin Keown.
