Arsenal will let academy striker Folarin Balogun leave in January on loan until the end of the season, according to David Ornstein.

The Athletic report that Arsenal have decided to let Folarin Balogun go on loan in January.

There’s a huge amount of interest in him, but no decision yet on his destination, with discussions to be held between all parties involved.

Arsenal recognise that Balogun now needs to be challenged at higher levels.

The article also mentions that it’s not clear when in January the loan will happen, because it may depend on Arsenal’s striker situation.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang going to AFCON and the transfer uncertainty surrounding Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal might need Balogun around for part of the month.

Kevin Betsy recently told the media that the decision on whether to send Balogun on loan was one for the club to make, but insisted his development this season is “there for all to see”.

The striker is up to 15 goals and four assists in 12 academy games this season, and he could add to that tally against Everton u23s on Monday night.

The u23s happen to be facing the same opposition away from home on the same night as the first team.

Balogun has really found consistency with the u23s this season, scoring in 10 of his 12 games in all academy competitions. But now is certainly the time for him to make the step up.