Middlesbrough are currently leading the race to sign Folarin Balogun on loan this month, with Arsenal now ready to accept the deal.

Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal for the Arsenal u21s (Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter)
Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal for the Arsenal u21s (Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter)

Sam Dean of The Telegraph writes that Middlesbrough are currently leading the race to sign Folarin Balogun on loan, amid plenty of competition.

Fabrizio Romano initially confirmed that Middlesbrough have asked for the player on a temporary basis, and there’s a chance he leaves the club on loan this month.

Romano then added on Wednesday that Balogun was close to completing his loan move, with talks progressing and Arsenal prepared to accept the offer.

According to that update, it’s now just a matter of time for the deal.

Ryan Taylor had tweeted earlier in the day that he understands Balogun is expected to complete the move in the comings days, with talks advanced between the two clubs.

Folarin Balogun of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, London, England on 22 August 2021. Copyright: Vince Mignott
Folarin Balogun of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, London, England on 22 August 2021. Copyright: Vince Mignott

It’s no real surprise to see Balogun going out on loan, after 20 goal contributions for the Arsenal u23s in the first half of the season.

Speaking at the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust Christmas Event, Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker suggested Balogun was the closest to going on loan.

Mertesacker’s quotes backed up a recent report from The Athletic that Arsenal had decided to let the striker go out on a temporary basis in the winter window.

The only question was where he’d end up, but it looks like we’ll have our answer soon enough.