Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun may have chance to push for Premier League debut

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal fans hoping to see Folarin Balogun make his first-team debut this season have recently got their wish with the forward getting a couple of opportunities in the Europa League.

Balogun has established himself as one of the most exciting talents at the Emirates. And with question marks currently surrounding his future (via The Athletic), many were imploring Mikel Arteta to give him an opportunity.

His debut came against Dundalk in October. And his first senior goal came on Thursday when Arsenal beat Molde 3-0 in Norway. Unsurprisingly, the cameo prompted Arteta to praise the forward (via Evening Standard)

The victory could be an important one for Balogun. Arsenal are through to the knockout stages with two group games remaining.

That opens the door for Arteta to rotate. And that surely leaves Balogun in contention to start one or both of the remaining European fixtures this year.

And if Balogun needed any further motivation to impress, he can surely now set his sights on putting himself in the mix for a Premier League debut in the near future.

Arsenal are going through an incredibly difficult period domestically. And one of the main issues Arteta needs to address is their lack of goals from open play.

The Gunners’ last Premier League goal scored by an attacking player in open play came in the 2-1 win against Sheffield United in early October.

Playing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through the middle does not seem to be working right now. Meanwhile, neither Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah have been in particularly good form this season.

It would be a brave call to hand Balogun a chance in the top flight. But if he does feature on Thursday and bags a couple, Arteta may have something to think about.

Balogun will be the forward with confidence and momentum. And with all of his other options looking to be out of form, further goals in the Europa League must surely push him closer to that Premier League debut.