Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has backed his manager Mikel Arteta's decision to extend the contract of youngster Folarin Balogun.
The highly rated centre forward had looked like he was going to leave Arsenal on a free transfer at the end of this season when his previous deal expired after failing to get assurances over playing time.
But it was confirmed on Monday that the 19-year-old had been convinced to stay on with the Gunners for another four seasons.
Speaking after the announcement, Arteta revealed that he was delighted to be able to keep a hold of Balogun, who has scored a goal every 32 minutes in the Europa League this season.
“We have been extremely impressed with Flo this season," the Spaniard said.
"He has continually shown his natural ability in many training sessions with us and we have been equally impressed with his early integration into the first-team squad on matchdays.
"He has given us glimpses with the performances and of course with his two goals already for the first team.
"The hard work starts here for Flo and we are all looking forward to supporting and working with him in the years to come.”
The Gunners technical director Edu was also full of praise for the 19-year-old.
"It’s great that Flo will continue to be with us," Edu added. "He is a very promising young talent and has already shown so much quality in his performances.
"We are all looking forward to working with him during his continued development in the coming years."
The admiration for Balogun does not just stop with the manager and technical director though. Arsenal's captain Aubameyang also revealed his excitement that the young striker would be continuing his stay in north London, clearly delighted with the decision Arteta and Edu had made.
"For sure he’s very, very talented and he shows every time he trains with us that he’s a really, really great talent," said the Gabon forward to Arsenal.com.
"He just works a lot and he’s a really humble guy as well. I like his style you know. I like his style."
It is unclear as of yet what the decision means for Aubameyang's good friend and fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman has one year remaining on his current contract at the end of this season and could now be sold in order to help fund a summer transfer spree for Arteta.
Eddie Nketiah's future has also been thrown up in the air by Balogun's contract announcement. The 21-year-old centre forward also has just 12 months left on his deal in the summer, and may be on his way out of the Emirates as a result.
