Folarin Balogun has a long-term future at Arsenal but is set to spend the second half of 2021-22 season out on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough; Boro boss Chris Wilder wanted to bring Balogun to Sheffield United when he was in charge of the Blades
Tuesday 11 January 2022 11:42, UK
Arsenal have agreed a deal to send striker Folarin Balogun on loan to Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season.
Balogun will undergo a medical on Tuesday ahead of a straight loan to Championship side Middlesbrough, who will pay a portion of his wages.
The 20-year-old striker has not featured in the Premier League since August but remains a part of Arsenal's long-term plans and signed a new contract in April which ties him to the club until 2025.
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder tried to sign Balogun - who was born in New York - back in 2020 when he was in charge of Sheffield United.
Balogun was also receiving interest from Europe, with French Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne one of those who were monitoring his situation.
Balogun is not cup-tied, so would be eligible to play against Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round later in January.
Meanwhile, there remains no change in striker Eddie Nketiah's situation at the Emirates Stadium.
Nketiah, who scored a hat-trick in Arsenal's Carabao Cup thrashing of Sunderland last month, turned down the club's most recent contract offer and is now able to negotiate a pre-contract with a foreign club.
January is Arsenal's last chance to cash in on the 22-year-old, although they would be due compensation even if he leaves on a free transfer.
A permanent sale in January has not been ruled out, although Nketiah's services could be required as out-of-favour former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already left on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Gabon.
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