Per Mertesacker: Balogun Is The Next Arsenal Star

Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker believes Nigerian-born Folarin Balogun is the next star that will blossom from the Gunners academy.

But the ex-Gunners defender admits Balogun is likely to go on loan in January to get the experience he needs to succeed at the club.

Mertesacker said: “I think the closest, at the moment, to make that step is Flo Balogun.

“He’s transferred in to the first team dressing room.

“He still plays U23’s football and probably most likely will go on loan in January because you need extra exposure to get to that next level so he needs to make that transition.”