What does Balogun's new contract mean for Arsenal?

What does Balogun's new contract mean for Arsenal?

By Peter White

While the rumblings of Spotify supremo Daniel Ek’s potential takeover continue to generate optimism around the Emirates, there was further reason to smile this week after youngster Folarin Balogun committed his future to the club. 

Though this season’s on-the-pitch endeavours have flattered to deceive in the main - with Friday night’s limp defeat at home to Everton another example of how far the Gunners have fallen in recent years - news of Balogun’s new contract served as a lift ahead of Thursday’s crucial Europa League outing. 

The 19-year-old - who scored against Molde and Dundalk in the continental competition during the current campaign - isn’t expected to play a significant role in the upcoming semi-final against Villarreal, but there is a feeling that he could be a key figure in Arsenal’s gradual rise back up the ranks. 

Balogun has been with the north London club since he was nine years old and he has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020/21, having made his first-team debut and scored his first goals at senior level. 

With his previous deal having been due to expire this June it was feared the New York-born striker was set to leave for pastures new, but fans can rest easy knowing that his new deal ties him down until 2025. 

Boss Mikel Arteta said: “We have been extremely impressed with Flo this season. He has continually shown his natural ability in many training sessions with us and we have been equally impressed with his early integration into the first-team squad on matchdays. 

“He has given us glimpses with the performances and of course with his two goals already for the first team. The hard work starts here for Flo and we are all looking forward to supporting and working with him in the years to come.” 

A star in the making?

Having signed as a scholar in 2017 Balogun has rapidly risen through the Arsenal ranks, first featuring in the EFL Trophy for the under-21s in a 3-1 win at Forest Green Rovers in November 2018. 

The following season saw him play again in that same competition, but it is this year that he has really drawn the attention of the Emirates faithful, earning his first senior minutes in a 3-0 home win over Irishmen Dundalk last October. 

The England youth international notched his first goal in an away win at Molde and claimed a second in three Europa League clashes at Dundalk shortly before Christmas. 

Despite having not yet made his Premier League bow, Balogun has featured against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, while more recently he came on as a substitute in the impressive 4-0 victory at Slavia Prague. 

While there is undoubtedly plenty still to prove for Balogun on the main stage, his eight goals from 18 appearances for the academy side this season suggests Gooners should start getting excited.

 

Future looking bright

Arsenal supporters far and wide will be hoping that Balogun can go on and become the latest academy product to firmly establish himself in the senior squad, after seeing several homegrown stars prove themselves of late. 

The likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have cemented themselves in Arteta’s plans with a string of stunning performances in the midst of the team’s inconsistency, while the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson aren’t too far behind. 

And after signing his new contract Balogun said he uses the exploits of his peers to inspire his own journey, indicating he has the required mindset and attitude to go on and make it at the top level. 

He said: “Bukayo and Emile have shown me that if you just stick at something for long enough, eventually it will pay off. 

“I take huge inspiration from them. I thought both of them seemed ready when they were called up each and every time. I thought they definitely prepared, not just physically but also mentally, for the challenges. I think that's something I've learned from them.” 

Learning from past mistakes

Tying down homegrown talent might seem like an obvious move, but Arsenal have let plenty of players slip out of their grasp in recent times that have gone on to prove their worth elsewhere. 

Serge Gnabry is a prominent name that springs to mind, with the current Bayern Munich and Germany star having failed to convince Arsene Wenger he could cut in the first team despite showing flashes of his quality. 

The likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho also supposedly flirted with signing terms at Arsenal in their younger years, but an apparent lack of opportunity to break into the senior set-up acted against the club. 

Now though, with players such as Saka and Smith Rowe thriving on the pitch, youngsters like Balogun are seemingly convinced they have a shot at earning an opportunity too. 

Gunners fans will be hoping that the exciting striker’s signing will strengthen that trend, and that more top young stars will help shape a successful future for the team.

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