Southampton will look to take Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun from the hands of the north London side, according to reports.
The 18-year-old forward is one of the most highly-rated players in the Gunners’ academy and recently failed to reach an agreement with the club on terms for an extended contract.
Balogun is yet to feature for Mikel Arteta’s side having only signed his first professional deal in February 2019, which is set to expire in the summer of 2021, with Arsenal telling the youngster that he can leave at the end of the current campaign, as per Goal.
According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are willing to take advantage of the situation – while Brentford, AC Milan and a number of other European clubs believed to be interested in his services.
The report adds that the Gunners turned down a £5m offer form the Championship promotion-pushing Brentford in January.
Should Southampton pursue Folarin Balogun?
Yes
No
Capturing such a player and bringing him to St Mary’s would send a clear message to the rest of the Premier League as to where Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side aim to go in the next few years.
Balogun certainly is a talent and was recently hailed by his senior teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring 22 goals in 23 games by March in 2019.
The youngster would be a great signing for the club and would certainly push for first-team places with Shane Long coming towards the latter stages of his career.
