Bundesliga beckons on Folarin Balogun

Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race for Arsenal prospect Folarin Balogun.

Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Rennes are all ready to offer a lucrative deal for the 19-year-old whose contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the season.

It leaves Arsenal facing a major uphill battle to keep Balogun with the England under-20 striker’s future very much in the balance.

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Arsenal could also lose him for a small fee if Balogun moves abroad this summer because a foreign club would only be liable to pay training compensation.

Germany has become an attractive option for young English talent as the likes of Jason Sancho and Jude Bellingham have blossomed at Borussia Dortmund.

They have gained a reputation for nurturing young players and giving them a chance which has been in short supply at Arsenal.

Arsenal are still talking to Balogun and hope to persuade him to stay as he is seen as a big prospect and hope for the future.

But the reality is that it more hinges on whether he will get a chance at the Emirates because, despite his potential, has only really had a look-in for Europa League games, scoring twice off the bench this season.

Arsenal are desperate to keep Balogun but manager Mikel Arteta has got attacking options with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiahall ahead of him in the pecking order.