Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already given his verdict on Folarin Balogun over his long-term future, ahead of the youngster's imminent new contract.
Balogun is on the brink of signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, handing manager Arteta a huge boost ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old talent is considered the be one of the club's most exciting with Arsenal receiving interest from clubs across the Premier League and across Europe, all keen on poaching him.
Interest in his signature has been heightened in recent months with his current deal in north London set to expire in less than three months' time, allowing him to enter into negotiations with any of Arsenal's rivals over a new deal.
But the striker's future is now expected to remain with the club and continue his push for first-team football after he was convinced to stay put by Arteta.
The contract offer will already have the blessing of Aubameyang who, speaking prior to the win over Molde in back in November., heaped praise on the talented forward, showing his excitement for his future.
"I like his style, you know. It is like an American rapper. It's cool," said Aubameyang at the time.
"I don't see him a lot, but he's a cool guy. We sometimes have a laugh with him and Laca [Alexandra Lacazette].
"For sure, he is very, very talented, and he shows every time he trains with us that he's a really great talent and he works a lot and is a humble guy as well."
Despite the good news regarding Balogun, duo Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are preparing to enter the final twelve months of their own deals with the club.
Those terms will expire during the summer of 2022, meaning they could be lost in cut-price deals or even on a free transfer.
However, with Balogun now close to signing a new deal, Arsenal may not be in such a rush to sort the futures of the aforementioned duo.
In the five first-team appearances Balogun has made this season, he has chipped in with two goals, both of which have come in the UEFA Europa League.
