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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
George Sessions

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reveals latest on Folarin Balogun contract situation

Photograph: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are working hard to keep Folarin Balogun at the club.

Teenage forward Balogun could face Newcastle on Saturday as the Gunners get the defence of their FA Cup crown underway this weekend.

But with his contract due to expire in the summer, the academy graduate may depart the Emirates shortly.

A number of rival clubs, including Liverpool, are understood to be interested in the 19-year-old but Arteta says it is still the club’s hope that he remains.

"The club wants to make a deal, the manager wants to make a deal, the player wants to stay and I'm not sure about the agent," Arteta insisted.

"We are negotiating with an agent, with a player that wants to stay at the club and we need to find an agreement.

"I'm telling you that we are doing everything we can to keep him here and hopefully from the other part they are doing the same and in the same interest, which is the player's interest which is to stay at the football club and be successful with us."

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