Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Arsenal's contract negotiations with teenage prospect Folarin Balogun.
Balogun, 19, burst onto the scene with his displays in the Europa League this season, scoring two goals in four group-stage appearances.
The forward has also scored seven times for the Under-23s in Premier League 2 to establish himself as one of the most talented English youngsters.
Balogun's performances have also attracted the attention of suitors across Europe, who are well aware he has less than six months remaining on his deal in north London.
Nonetheless, Arteta remains confident Balogun sees his long-term future at the Emirates.
Pressed for the latest update on Balogun ahead of Arsenal's Premier League encounter with Leeds, Arteta told reporters: "I’m still very positive that Flo is going to stay with us and it’s what we’re trying to do as a club, and it’s what I’m trying to do as a manager.
"As far as I know from last week, the player wants to be here, so I’m positive. I think he’s made some big progress in a few months."
Arteta's update will come as a blow to Balogun's suitors, chief among which are believed to be RB Leipzig and Liverpool.
In total, 15 clubs in England and further afield are interested in the United States-born player, according to The Guardian .
Balogun's last appearance for Arsenal came in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester City in December, when he made an appearance off the bench.
Since then, he has returned to the Under-23s and captained the side to a victory over Brighton U23 and draws with Tottenham U23 and Chelsea U23.
Balogun - who serves as the side's captain - netted a hat-trick in the 5-0 thrashing of Brighton last month.
punbceknry
0
Arteta has made a few mistakes!! sold the BEST goal keeper. then brought in Williams who is ready for retirement and so on, good players sent out on loan and on & on
Dauklryz
0
sure he is better than Willian ,Willian drop of form makes me think he is a scam
Cihcimopu
1
Goud🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹
nekofc1
0
Asernal loss everywhere they go
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I guess liverpool never lost or ask Leicester city
LRonald11
2
Asernal loss everywhere they go
miciknopz
0
Arteta is just buying his time about the boy. He would allow him to go on a free and other excuses later. If Arteta or the "board" are serious about it, this is the right time. But if they don't, the boy would accept a better offer from a club that gives him a better chance than Arsenal. That's when the club and the media would cash by calling the boy disloyal.
hatcdlmuz
2
Give him 200 150k contrack then liverpool cant afford .
Bucbeis
1
This guy is from Nigeria
cubbinu
2
Belogun is our future. He must at least be on the bench for all games. He will score us goals if given the chance. Better than the useless Willan, one footed Pepe and Eddie.
Timothyboss
1
AR VS lee
mubdekmprs
1
try no sell him, arsenal always do that
Fushisan92
4
Loan to Southampton or Bundesliga
kolonegooner
0
it's not about signing a new contract, it's about arteta guaranteeing him some game time with the senior team. give him half the opportunity you gave to Nketia and Wilock. he is far far better than Nketia. he should be among the ranks of Saka, thieney, Martinelli, Smith and Gabreal. I don't see why William should start ahead of balogun in arsenal fc if we have a good manager.
100% spot on !!!!!! IF we are building, then let's build with the youth, get rid of Willian....and Nkeita n Willock
Collins_Hills
4
so no update on his contract
Boneklmno
1
Ars vs leeds lineup
wayneodg
1
let him play against Leeds please
roeaclptyz
6
it's not about signing a new contract, it's about arteta guaranteeing him some game time with the senior team. give him half the opportunity you gave to Nketia and Wilock. he is far far better than Nketia. he should be among the ranks of Saka, thieney, Martinelli, Smith and Gabreal. I don't see why William should start ahead of balogun in arsenal fc if we have a good manager.
rashkamario10
4
Give him time,give him the confidence and he will do the rest. The world is about one chance and more....
foldingstuff
0
This boy is far much better than Willock and Nketia, so give him a healthy contract
His willock a striker?
dewceksu
0
Naija boy
Miockmnt
1
start playing him now and he will sign.
Pedadlmnty
2
he is better than nketia..I think we should given him some minute in epl like arteta given chance for nketia
saycilmns
1
Arteta just give him a good long term contract and let him go on loan
saycilmns
0
This boy is far much better than Willock and Nketia, so give him a healthy contract
Willock isn't very bad. I like goal scoring midfielders and he is one of the few with potential for improvement
saycilmns
1
The best news I have heard about our Arsenal so far. I like the guy.
Kowalptuz
4
This boy is far much better than Willock and Nketia, so give him a healthy contract