Arsenal have wanted to send young Folarin Balogun out on loan for a while now and it finally looks like it will happen.
The striker is one of the Gunners’ most impressive young talents. He has been playing out of his skin at youth level and everyone has understood now that he’s too good for that age group.
However, that doesn’t make him ready for Arsenal’s first team just yet. Balogun still has a lot to learn before he can lead the line for the Gunners.
A loan move away where he will play every week would be brilliant for him and Arsenal seem to have arranged one now.
Fabrizio Romano: Folarin Balogun will have his Middlesbrough medical today ahead of his loan
Chris Wilder’s Boro were linked with a move for Balogun right after the January transfer window opened. A deal looked set to be completed very early in the window, but there was an unexpected delay.
Balogun tested positive for COVID and the young striker had to isolate for a few days.
If Romano’s tweet from yesterday is anything to go by, Balogun is now out of isolation and he will be heading to the Riverside Stadium at some point today to undergo his medical and complete his loan move.
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Arsenal, as per Romano, have agreed a deal with Boro already and it’s just a matter of time before this move is done.
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Balogun, whose progression has been labelled as ‘incredible‘ by Mikel Arteta, really does need a loan spell and a move to the Championship is the best option for him now.
Wilder has been a fan of the Arsenal youngster for a while now. Back in September 2020 when he was still at the helm at Sheffield United, the now Boro boss admitted that he had tabled an offer to sign Balogun. (Examiner Live)
A deal did not materialise then but Wilder could soon get his man now, but only on loan until the end of the season.
It will be interesting to see how Balogun will fare in the Championship. He will be tested physically every time he steps onto the pitch and if he can deliver without any trouble, he will give Mikel Arteta a lot to think about next summer.
