Martin Keown wants to see Folarin Balogun given his chance at Arsenal

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Arsenal legend and former defender, Martin Keown, has said he’d like to see the Gunners give young striker Folarin Balogun a chance before the season ends.

Balogun is thought to be on his way out of the club as things stand. The young striker has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract and is free to leave in the summer.

Mikel Arteta has given Balogun some minutes in the Europa League but at the moment, he is not involved in the first XI, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him.

But Keown, speaking on Talksport about Arsenal’s options, believes Balogun is someone who should be given more opportunities.

“Centre-forward position is quite strong. You’ve got Martinelli who can operate there, Nketiah too,” Keown said.

“Then Balogun, a young player coming through as well, a player I’d really like to see involved between now and the end of the season.”

A host of clubs are said to be keen on Balogun. He was the subject of interest from Sheffield United in the summer, while the likes of RB Leipzig are said to be keen now as well.

For now, though, it’s a case of working hard for Balogun and trying to force his way into an ever-improving Arsenal team.

TBR View: Play Balogun, or he goes, it’s that simple

You almost feel a bit for Mikel Arteta here. He’ll know deep down that Balogun is probably going but he’ll not want to simply chuck him in at the deep end and hope for the best.

Further, Arsenal have started to do well and Lacazette is playing really well as the number nine.

Unfortunately, despite Keown’s hopes, it’s unlikely we’ll see too much of Balogun and he very much looks like leaving as things stand.