ARSENAL striker Folarin Balogun is reportedly being eyed up by 15 clubs as they look to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.
The 19-year-old is free to talk to other teams having entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates.
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Balogun has impressed this season when called upon – chipping in with two goals in five games in all competitions.
The Gunners were believed to have restarted contract negotiations with the player in November, but talks have stalled, leading to speculation he will be departing North London.
But it is now understood that he is closer to leaving Arsenal than he is to committing his future with the FA Cup holders.
Commenting on the American-born England youth international, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano stated the player has no shortage of suitors.
However he claimed that Balogun is still interested in signing a new deal at Arsenal – but wants more game time in order to convince him to put pen to paper.
He tweeted: “Folarin Balogun has received more than 15 bids as a free agent for next summer.
“His contract situation with Arsenal is stalling, still complicated because he wants to play.”
Romano then shut down reports that Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig are closing in on a deal to bring the teenager to Germany.
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He added: “RB Leipzig have *not* made an official bid to sign Balogun as of today.”
Championship side Swansea are just one of the clubs that are understood to be keen on securing his services.
Meanwhile Liverpool are another side that have been linked with snapping up the striker at the end of the season.
With his contract situation up in the air, it has been claimed that Balogun is one of 11 players that have been made ‘dispensable’ by Mikel Arteta.
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