Folarin Balogun’s chances under Mikel Arteta has been very limited this season, but Norwich’s appointment of Frank Lampard could see the youngster finally get minutes in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old is a highly regarded forward at the club and is one of four strikers in the first team set up.
Despite signing a new contract at the start of the season and starting the opening Premier League match against Brentford, Balogun has not been in Arteta’s starting squad since.
And with how Lampard has developed young English talents in the past, a loan move to Norwich could be the best option for the youngster.
Balogun testing himself at first team level is an idea that is supported by England under 21 boss Lee Carsley, as he said: “Watching him in the U23's for Arsenal, it's probably a little bit too easy for him and he's passed that level.
I think it would be fair to say that a lot of the clubs in Europe would be aware of Flo's qualities and if anything he has just got to keep proving it to himself.”
Norwich would be the perfect destination for the striker following Lampard’s appointment, as he can take inspiration from the way he developed Tammy Abraham during his time at Chelsea.
Abraham was another young English striker who was not equipped with Premier League experience, but when Lampard took over as manager at Chelsea, the striker managed to score 15 league goals in 34 games.
Balogun certainly has the ability to replicate Abraham's record, which he has shown with his performances in the under 23’s.
He played so well in these competitions that before the signing of his new Arsenal deal, there were a host of top clubs around Europe, including RB Leipzig that were fighting for his signature, despite not making a first team appearance.
It looked as though Arteta was finally going to give him the desired game after starting him in the opening Premier League match of the season against Brentford, but he has not been given a look in since, with Eddie Nketiah being handed more opportunities.
A loan move to the Premier League would be perfect for Balogun, who has been given chances for the England under 21’s which shows he is at a good enough level.
Lampard could be the man to unlock Balogun’s potential, if Arsenal were to sanction a loan move in January despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence due to the African Cup of Nations and the uncertain futures of Alexandre Lacazette and Nketiah, as their contracts are set to expire in the summer.
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