Arsenal academy striker Folarin Balogun has decided to leave the north London club in the upcoming transfer window, reports claim. The highly-regarded youngster wants to secure regular first-team football elsewhere.
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Balogun is considered one of the brightest young talents at Arsenal.
The New York-born forward has scored 50 goals and provided 12 assists in 70 appearances for Arsenal's Under-18 and Under-23 squads.
But Balogun has never made a senior appearance for the Gunners.
The closest he's come to first-team action was being named by Unai Emery as an unused substitute during a Carabao Cup third-round victory over Nottingham Forest.
And now, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the 18-year-old has decided to seek out opportunities away from the Emirates.
The teenager's current contract is due to expire in June 2021 despite fresh negotiations between the club and the player taking place earlier this year.
The two parties were unable to reach an agreement and Arsenal have decided to cash in on their youngster rather than lose him for free next year.
The Gunners are expected to include various clauses when negotiating his departure with potential suitors.
One club reported to have shown interest are Championship promotion candidates Brentford.
The Bees submitted a £5million offer in January but that was dismissed and The Sun believe a second approach could be in the pipeline.
Transfer News: Folarin Balogun has made the decision to leave Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
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Arsenal fans are understandably concerned about the prospect of losing a young player with such potential.
The Gunners have seen the likes of Serge Gnabry, Ismael Bennacer, Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Donyell Malen flourish elsewhere.
One fan wrote on Twitter: "Another talented Arsenal youngster in Folarin Balogun is set to leave the club this summer.
"Given our attacking depth, it’s no wonder why he wants to leave, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he develops into a world-beater like Donyell Malen and Serge Gnabry have since leaving."