Arsenal wonderkid Folarin Balogun has been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool.
The 19-year-old made quite the impression in the Europa League group phase 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 season as his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
And with the window set to open next week, Balogun will be able to speak to foreign clubs in regards to signing a pre-contract from January 1, 2021.
In order for a move to Liverpool to materialise, Jurgen Klopp's side would have to agree a fee with the Gunners next month or wait until June to sign him on a free.
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 the transfer window opening very soon, the Gunners need to resolve Balogun's future or risk losing him for free at the end of the season.
But is there any truth to the rumours linking the teenager with a move to the reigning Premier League champions?
Well, some Liverpool fans think that could the case after reading into a social media exchange between Balogun and young midfielder Curtis Jones.
As spotted by @AnfieldWatch, Balogun and Jones swapped emojis after the Gunners forward commented on the latter's Instagram post.
This prompted one Reds supporter to suggest that a deal is done.
@DarraghMcdonog1 said: "It’s done," with a tick emoji.
As reported by football.london earlier in the month, the fact that Balogun is yet to pen fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium could indicate that his camp are waiting to see what kind of offers he'll get in January.
Although, Arsenal technical director Edu has a good relationship with the teenager's representative Emeka Obasi and that could be key to tying down the striker to a new deal.
