Jonathan Woodgate says Arsenal have a superb 20-year-old who’ll soon ‘start hitting the heights’

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Jonathan Woodgate thinks Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun will soon “start hitting the heights”.

The Gunners striker is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, who knocked Tottenham out of the FA Cup this week.

Balogun swapped Arsenal for Boro in the January transfer window and has done well so far.

While the 20-year-old is yet to score for his current side, he has claimed two assists.

Balogun came close to breaking his duck against Barnsley at the weekend, but the woodwork denied him twice.

And he played a part in helping Boro humble Arsenal’s bitter rivals on Tuesday.

Balogun came off the bench and got 45 minutes under his belt, showing great link-up play.

The Hale End graduate’s contract at Arsenal runs until 2025, and he’s on a straight loan to Boro.

This suggests Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sees Balogun as a player with a long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

Woodgate played for both Spurs and Boro during his footballing career, and managed the latter.

Speaking to the Tottenham media team prior to the game, he gave an insight on Boro, and said Balogun has a really bright future.

“The two forwards, Folarin Balogun, who they brought in on loan from Arsenal and Aaron Connolly, from Brighton, they will be really good, they’ll get better and start hitting the heights,” he said.

Balogun was overdue a loan move to a Championship team this season.

Prior to swapping Arsenal for Boro, he had scored 15 goals in 13 age level appearances for the Gunners this term.