Folarin Balogun's future should be near the top of Arsenal's priorities in the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old has made quite the impression in the Europa League this season, scoring twice and registering an assist in three substitute appearances. But it remains to be seen if he will still be at the club for the 2021/22 campaign.
That's because his contract is set to expire in the summer.
And with the window set to open in less than two weeks, Balogun will be able to speak to foreign clubs in regards to signing a pre-contract from January 1, 2021.
Arsenal's stance, as per first-team manager Mikel Arteta, is that they are keen for the 19-year-old to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
"He's done really well," said Arteta after the 4-2 win over Dundalk. "Every minute he's been on that field he's been superb. Today he looked a threat again. He scored a goal, he set up another one and he looked really lively on the pitch.
"Well we're having some discussions with the player. He knows that we want to retain him at the club.
"We know the length of his contract at the moment is an issue but we're trying to resolve it in the best possible way.
"We want him to stay. He said to me he wants to stay at the club so hopefully we can reach an agreement and extend his contract."
With January fast approaching, the Gunners need to resolve Balogun's future or risk losing him for free at the end of the season.
But has an agreement been reached?
Well, some Arsenal fans think that could the case after reading into a social media exchange between Balogun and club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
As seen in the tweet above, Balogun posts a message that reads: "Loading" with an emoji that has garnered a mixed response from supporters.
Take a look at what's been said as some have a theory that any contract Balogun signs won't be with Arsenal, thus suggesting the striker is set to leave.
However, all may not be what it seems.
Upon closer inspection of the exchange between Balogun and Aubameyang, it would appear that they were talking about there being more to come from the Gunners captain after breaking his goal drought in the 1-1 draw against Southampton.
The original message is from Aubameyang and his vow to keeping working hard to improve Arsenal's form and Balogun was simply replying to his teammate.
