Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun believes Mikel Arteta already has the 'next Bukayo Saka' in his squad following Ethan Nwaneri's debut.
Saka has been influential for the Gunners since breaking into the senior squad a few years ago and is now being monitored by the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City. Arteta shares the same confidence as the 21-year-old that a new contract will be agreed soon, extending his current deal which runs out in 2024.
Balogun is considered a top talent for Arsenal and is enjoying a successful spell on loan with Ligue 1 outfit Stade Reims, scoring five goals and providing two assists in his first eight appearances for the French club. Arteta handed a debut off the bench for record-breaking 15-year-old talent Ethan Nwaneri during the 3-0 win away to Brentford at the weekend as the Gunners look to have produced another exciting youngster.
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Nwaneri, 15, became the youngest player ever to play in the Premier League on Sunday and now Balogun has backed Nwaneri to follow in the footsteps of Saka. The loanee striker admitted to being impressed with what he saw of the teenager before he went on loan to Reims in early August.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Balogun said: "When I was sorting out my loan towards the end of pre-season, I noticed he was training with us a few times. I spoke to the under-18s manager and he told me that he was a really good player and he said he's got a really bright future.
"So I definitely had an eye out for him and it was just really good to see him make his debut. I just hope that he can just carry on impressing people in the first team."
Balogun is confident the club have a clear plan on how to continue developing Nwaneri into a player that can impact the senior team in the coming years. He added: "Yeah I'm sure they have a plan. There's been a lot of players in the past that have kicked on really.
"The likes of Reiss Nelson, Bukayo, they've played first team really early. I think Bukayo made his debut when he was 17. So I'm sure Arsenal have a plan for him and I'm sure if he just keeps his head down and works hard, he will see through that plan."
Balogun himself is trying to impress Arteta whilst out on loan in an attempt to become a key player in the Arsenal squad. Eddie Nketiah and summer signing Gabriel Jesus are both ahead of the 21-year-old in the pecking order, but should he continue his impressive form for Reims, Balogun may force his way into the Gunners' plans when he returns next summer.
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