Mikel Arteta discusses out-of-favour Arsenal player, after Leeds snub

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Mikel Arteta has responded when asked about Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun – having left him on the bench against Leeds on Tuesday.

Arsenal secured a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night, beating Leeds 2-0. Eddie Nketiah started up top against his old side.

Indeed, the ex-England Under-21 captain scored the second goal of the game – after substitute Calum Chambers had put Arsenal into the lead.

Despite the scoreline, Arteta brought on Alexandre Lacazette – overlooking Balogun. Both Nketiah and Lacazette are out of contract in June.

Balogun, 20, has only been afforded 77 minutes of senior football this season – months after penning a new long-term Arsenal contract.

He has failed to even make the Arsenal bench in their last seven Premier League outings. Arteta responded, when asked about Balogun on Tuesday.

“We will see what happens. The steps that he’s making are the right steps. He’s still really young and needs to go through every phase.

“I’m really happy with him. In December we will see what happens,” Arteta continued, in his post-match press conference on Football London.

Arteta on Balogun: Has Arsenal gaffer hinted at a January loan exit?

Judging by Balogun’s current position in the squad, he is fourth choice. Lacazette and Nketiah are preferred – though they could leave in June.

Balogun does not need to panic. He is still shining in the 23’s; seven goals in six games. But until Nketiah and Lacazette go, he will be on the sidelines.

So, a January loan move would be ideal – perhaps to a lower Premier League side, or a Championship team. Indeed, Arteta hints at a move.

Stating he will wait until December before making a decision suggests that he could decide to let him go in January. A loan is needed, for both parties.