It does look like Folarin Balogun will leave Arsenal for nothing at the end of this season. He has no plans of signing a new deal and he is reportedly in talks with a few foreign clubs over a free transfer in the summer.
That is a massive blow for Arsenal. Balogun is one of our brightest prospects. He is all the qualities to become a top striker in the coming years, but his demands are a bit too much for Mikel Arteta.
Balogun wants guaranteed game time in the first team. That’s a good ambition to have, but considering the players Arteta has at his disposal, there is no way the Arsenal boss can commit to that.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and even Gabriel Martinelli are all ahead of Balogun in the pecking order. That means he has to earn his spot in the team – something he isn’t prepared to do.
Balogun should follow Emile Smith Rowe
There is one player who should be an inspiration to Balogun – Emile Smith Rowe. The 20-year-old is an incredible talent but he has never demanded regular first-team action at the club.
He agreed to go out on loan twice, came back and earned his place in the team. He is now one of our most important players and Arsenal are reportedly set to reward him for his recent performances.
The Daily Mail revealed last night that Arsenal will offer a new £40,000-a-week contract to Smith Rowe – more than double his previous salary. That is fully deserved and Gunners supporters are absolutely delighted with the news.
Many feel Balogun should take inspiration from Smith Rowe’s rise to prominence. The teenager can stay and work his way up like his teammate did, but sadly, it looks like he isn’t prepared to do that.
Here’s how a few Arsenal fans reacted on Twitter
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