Report suggests Middlesbrough could beat Sheffield United, West Ham to Arsenal signing | OneFootball

Middlesbrough remain highly interested in making a move for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun ahead of the January transfer window and Chris Wilder’s previous interest could give them an edge, according to the Evening Standard.

It is believed by the Evening Standard that Wilder is an admirer of Balogun’s quality and that he attempted to sign the promising forward during his time in charge at Sheffield United.

There have been wide reports that Balogun is set to make a loan move away from Arsenal in the January transfer window to get some regular game time at first-team level. That comes with the 20-year-old having been impressing with the club’s under23s this term scoring 13 goals in ten appearances.

Boro are one of the teams interested in Balogun, but there have also been reports that the likes of West Ham, Sheffield United and Swansea City are also keen on bringing in the 20-year-old.

According to the latest update from the Evening Standard, Middlesbrough now hope that they can win the race for his signature because Arsenal are aware of Wilder’s prior interest in the forward from his time in charge of Sheffield United.

The report also adds though that Arsenal are yet to make a decision on where Balogun will be sent out on loan to in January. That comes with there also being some interest in the forward from abroad as well.

The verdict

This could be positive news for Middlesbrough because Arsenal would be aware that Balogun is likely to feature heavily in the plans of Wilder if he were to arrive at the Riverside Stadium.

Game time will of course be top of the agenda for Arsenal when deciding where to send Balogun on loan to and therefore Boro might be able to present a stronger case to the Gunners than some of the other interested parties.

Having said that, other clubs such as Swansea have shown a better record in developing Premier League loanees in recent times than Boro. While Wilder was unable to unlock the best form from Rhian Brewster who was similarly highly regarded at Liverpool as Balogun will be at Arsenal.

It is a transfer story that will likely drag on throughout January because Arsenal have to take their time and ensure that they send him to the best possible club for his development. Middlesbrough will just have to hope they chose them because he would be an excellent addition.