Arteta says he should have sent Balogun out on loan earlier than he did

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Arsenal decided to loan Folarin Balogun out during the January transfer window, as he joined Championship side Middlesbrough.

On the back of a successful spell away with England’s Under 21 side, Mikel Arteta was asked about Balogun ahead of his side’s return to Premier League action.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace on Monday night, Arteta admitted Arsenal should have loaned the 20-year-old out sooner.

“I think Flo is doing what he’s needing to do,” said Arteta.

“Probably we should have done it earlier. He’s playing a different formation under a manager and a club with huge history.

“This is giving us more information and detail about the best move for him in his future.”

There are high hopes for Balogun and Arsenal do need more up front to take them to the next level in the years ahead.

Balogun isn’t ready yet but Arteta seems pleased with the loan move in terms of getting to see him play regularly and assessing his development.

Arsenal still need an elite, ready-made striker for next season but perhaps Balogun could learn from that man in north London…