Mikel Arteta has offered an update on Arsenal's contract negotiations with teenage prospect Folarin Balogun.
Pressed for the latest update on Balogun, Arteta told reporters:
“I’m still very positive that Flo is going to stay with us and it’s what we’re trying to do as a club, and it’s what I’m trying to do as a manager.
“As far as I know from last week, the player wants to be here, so I’m positive. I think he’s made some big progress in a few months.”
Arteta's update will come as a blow to Balogun's suitors, chief among which are believed to be RB Leipzig and Liverpool.
In total, 15 clubs in England and further afield are interested in the 19-year-old, according to The Guardian .
The United States-born player's last appearance for Arsenal came in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester City in December, when he made an appearance off the bench.
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Since then, Balogun has returned to the Under-23s and captained the side to a victory over Brighton U23 and draws with Tottenham U23 and Chelsea U23.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago