Arsenal’s hopes of keeping Folarin Balogun may be boosted by Nketiah and Lacazette stance

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Arsenal fans may be bracing themselves for a mass clear-out over the summer following a report from The Sun this week.

Mikel Arteta appears to be making significant plans for the next window. And a number of players look set to be moved on by the Gunners.

And two of those who may leave are Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. The Sun reports that they could listen to offers for the Frenchman, who is on £150,000-a-week. And they could take a similar stance with Nketiah.

It may be deemed by some to be a gamble. Lacazette is their joint top goalscorer in the Premier League this term. And between them, they have made 19 top flight starts this season.

But perhaps it would be fair to say that selling both players would surely boost their hopes of keeping Folarin Balogun at the Emirates.

As things stand, Balogun’s contract will expire at the end of the season. However, Arteta insisted earlier this month that he was confident that the young striker will stay (via club’s official website).

Nevertheless, while a new deal remains unsigned, Balogun’s future will continue to have a question mark hanging over it. AC Milan are one of the sides to have been linked with a move for him recently (via Calciomercato).

It is not clear why the 19-year-old is yet to put pen to paper. But if his concern is playing time, the potential departures of both Lacazette and Nketiah will surely encourage him.

Of course, Arsenal may set their sights on a new signing if both strikers go. But Balogun may well still find himself slightly higher up the pecking order.

And if the Gunners find themselves in four competitions once again next year, more opportunities will surely come for Balogun.

The futures of Lacazette and Nketiah are unlikely to be the only things that influence his decision. But if they do leave, the pathway to first-team football will become a lot clearer.