Arsenal U-23 star player Folarin Balogun has sent a clear message to senior boss Mikel Arteta after the Gunners submitted a defeat to Southampton. Arsenal was crashed out of the FA Cup fourth round by Premier League rivals Southampton. The Gunners failed to retain their FA Cup title crown on Saturday as the Saints kicked Arsenal out with a 1-0 defeat.
Mikel Arteta’s side was lifeless, lacking the direction and the desire to create an attacking threat. The forward line was seen firing only blanks and the defeat is rather a howler by Gabriel Magalhaes. The first-half own goal created by the summer signing was enough to hand an effortless victory to Southampton. which, in turn, helped the Saints to qualify to the fifth round.
Arsenal making their way to the FA cup exit means the club has a chance to win a title. If they make a way to the top position in the premier league which in turn seems a big deal at a moment if looking at Premier League standing. Another comes out in the shape of Europa League where Arsenal would face Benfica for the last 32 ties.
The 19-year-old Folarin Balogun has expressed his thoughts over Arsenal exiting the FA cup on Saturday. Mikel Arteta once again left Balogun out of the squad. Even though it was a night before that Arsenal U-23 demolished Brighton with a 5-0 win. Balogun once again took away the spotlight with his excellent hat-trick.
Balogun message to Arsenal & Arteta
The young striker is having an uncertain future at the emirates even though he has given glimpses of his talent now and then. The forward only has six months remaining in his current contract and has not yet penned down an extension with Arsenal. Moreover, he has found fewer opportunities coming his way.
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s slumping at St Mary Balogun was quick enough to take out his frustration through a social media post. The English professional posted a video of his excellent solo goal in Arsenal’s U-23 win over a Seagulls. It appears as if the young forward was reminding Arteta of his skills that could have helped the club sealed a win.
Balogun is highly linked to leaving Arsenal at the end of this season as strong speculations have been revolving around his future since summer. Some also believe that the young striker might walk away due to lack of action at the Emirates.
Arteta is confident about Balogun’s future
Mikel Arteta was previously asked to throw some light on Balogun’s future with Arsenal. He was confident that a fruitful career lies ahead of him in the Emirates. Arteta said that he just wants to convince the striker about having a future and does not believe in sending him opposite messages.
He added that in the beginning Balogun was not training with the first team and the club changed that. The striker has a real hunger and is showing improvement on a daily basis. The club is on its way to do something good as Arsenal wants him. He’s made taken some big steps in the last few months when he was not even training and played few good games for the club.
Meanwhile, Arsenal technical director Edu appeared to praise Folarin Balogun after he posted a video on social media. Edu responded to the video by posting a series of emoji in his excellent performance for the club. He also eluded to him as a top baller as Arsenal wants to keep him in the future.
Balogun is attracting interest from across all the European clubs and Arsenal has witnessed his form in the cup competitions. The club would not let the striker slip away just like that. Even though he has only made five appearances for the club so far.
For now, Arsenal needs to polish themselves for the upcoming Premier League clash against the industrious Southampton. Even though the FA cup loss might have affected the confidence but they still have a chance to continue the unbeaten run in the Premier League.
