‘Hopefully’: Mikel Arteta says Folarin Balogun’s Arsenal contract is being worked on

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains hopeful that young starlet, Folarin Balogun, will sign a new deal with the club in the coming weeks.

Balogun was in impressive form as the Gunners saw off Dundalk last night. The young striker got himself a goal and an assist as Arteta’s men ran out comfortable 4-2 winners.

The striker has been the centre of much discussion, with Balogun’s current deal set to end in the summer. However, in recent weeks, things seem to be moving along and Arteta confirmed last night that he remains hopeful of a deal.

“We’ve been having some discussions with the player. He knows that we want to retain him at the club and we know that the length of his contract at the moment is an issue, but we’re trying to resolve it in the best possible way.

“We want him to stay and he’s said to me that he wants to stay at the club, so hopefully we can reach an agreement and extend his contract,” Arteta said. (Arsenal Official)

Balogun is among a number of young Gunners currently making an impression with the North London outfit. Their Europa League campaign has given him, along with the likes of Smith-Rowe, Nelson, and Nketiah, plenty of chances to shine.

A big player, Balogun looks better with each showing – TBR View

It’s so important that Arsenal don’t lose Balogun. A few months ago, most just knew him as someone with potential who might go on to make an impact in the game.

Now, he looks every bit the quality player and Martin Keown even compared him to Ian Wright last night.

Balogun is a keeper and Arteta will be hoping the club moves swiftly to sort things out.