Transfer News: Arsenal striker linked to loan move

Pictured: 20-year-old striker Folarin Balogun

Several clubs are inquiring about 20-year-old striker Folarin Balogun about a possible loan deal in January (Sources). Balogun signed a new long-term contract in April but faced challenges in getting minutes with the senior squad since.

Balogun continues to shine for the under-23's; he's netted 14 goals and two assists in just 11 starts for the Gunners. His stellar display hasn't gone unnoticed by the League, nominating him for PL2 player of the month. But despite his spectacular form, the young striker has only played in two matches in the Premier League, one being a start against Brentford at the beginning of the season.

Rumors are now surfacing that the Arsenal hierarchy would prefer to send Balogun out on loan during the January transfer window. Several English Championship clubs, including Middlesborough, are rumored to be interested in the striker. Middlesborough manager, Chris Wilder, has a standing interest in the striker; he tried signing Balogun when he was in charge of Sheffield United. However, Wilder will face stiff competition for the players' signature, as clubs abroad (including France) are heating up their interest in him.

Arsenal currently faces a dilemma at the striker position after a brutal loss to Everton. Due to poor form, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette face a severe goal drought this season. As for manager Mikel Arteta's third choice, Eddie Nketiah, he's turned down a contract extension is available to talk to clubs for his signature in less than a month. So while Arsenal continues to interchange Aubameyang and Lacazette in the starting lineups, they may be faced with signing a striker in January if the goal drought is not resolved within December.

Many fans are growing frustrated with the situation around the young striker because Arteta is giving minutes to Nketiah, who rejected the most recent contract offer just days ago, rather than Balogun. Therefore, a January loan may prove beneficial for both the striker and the Club.

Regardless of a Balogun loan move or not, Arsenal is desperate for offensive production, as the Club has only scored 18 goals in 15 Premier League matches. Arsenal will look to improve on their goal total as they return home to the Emirates to take on 16th place Southampton, who has only won one match in their last five.