Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell is tipping Folarin Balogun to be loaned out by Arsenal before the close of the January transfer window to continue his development.

The Hale End Academy graduate has found game time few and far between since he was officially promoted to the Gunners first team, logging a paltry 77 minutes from a possible 1,260 in all competitions.

Balogun, who turns 21 next summer, is nearing that stage of his career where he needs to be playing on a regular basis for the first team, something which Arsenal cannot offer him at the moment as there are more experienced and prolific strikers at the disposal of manager Mikel Arteta.

New Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is an admirer of the Anglo-American-Nigerian center forward and Campbell reckons that a move to the Riverside Stadium does make sense.

"I’m sure Balogun will go out on loan. A move to Middlesbrough would be good for all parties," Campbell said to Football Insider.

"When Wilder was at Sheffield United he wanted him on loan. Of course, Wilder has moved club now.

"Balogun needs game time. He needs to be playing and learning his trade playing first team football.

"In all honesty, Under-23 and Under-21 football is not really men’s football. He needs to be playing against men.

"He needs to get roughed up a bit and understand what he can and can’t do. Only experienced players will test his talent. I think Middlesbrough would be a great move for him."

Balogun has been scoring goals for fun in 2021-2022 for Arsenal's development squad with nine goals in eight appearances in the Premier League 2.

Igho Kingsley