Arsenal make attempt to keep Balogun amid Brighton, Southampton interest | OneFootball

Arsenal are making a new attempt to open contract talks with Folarin Balogun.

The 19-year-old striker's deal expires in June and he was the subject of summer interest from Chris Wilder and Sheffield United, who had a £3million bid turned down and baulked at his £15m valuation, says The Athletic.

There was expectation that the forward would be sold this summer, however the north London outfit have opened discussions once more with Balogun's representatives to try and find a solution.

The teenager made his first-team debut as a substitute in the 3-0 win at home to Dundalk in the Europa League last month, and boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly determined to keep hold of him.

Balogun is a free agent in the summer so can speak to foreign teams from January, but the report adds it is possible that he could yet stay at Emirates Stadium despite the competition for places in attacking areas at the club currently.

Arsenal also rejected a £5m plus add-ons bid from Championship side Brentford in January for Balogun, who has represented England and the USA at youth level.

The New York-born striker has also attracted interest from Southampton, Brighton and AC Milan in the past year.