Phil SumblerThe Swans are being linked again with a move for Arsenal’s young striker Folarin Balogun who has publicly stated that he is ready for a new challenge and that could well mean a loan move away from the Emirates Stadium.
The Swans were first linked with Balogun during the January transfer window with the youngster having played in Steve Cooper’s England Under 17 line up which was a continual source of players for us under our former manager.
“I have played youth football for a little while, I have obviously scored a lot of goals at that level and improved at that level drastically from when I started,” Balogun said.
“I do feel like I am ready for a new challenge but I am not sure what that might be, it might be a loan or if I am needed at Arsenal then I am here and the gaffer knows that.
“I am definitely open to a new challenge but it is something that whatever that challenge is I will be ready.
“I know the potential I could have and that I need to achieve is massive. I haven’t achieved it yet. What I see now I would just describe as glimpses, things that need to be worked on and can be improved.
“The performances I am putting in are all I can do at the moment. I know that I am going in the right direction.”
Balogun is reported to have spoken to his team mates Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka who have both broken into the England side in the past 12 months and he added “This time last year Emile was playing 23s football, so that just shows how quickly things can change in football.
“I know that I need to be patient and I have complete faith in the gaffer. Whatever the plan is I will give 100 per cent and I know it will work out.”
It is difficult to know whether the links at the moment are genuine or just the words of a former target being taken and 2+2 being put together to create the answer that suits. One to keep an eye on as the position of the play develops and the window grows closer.
