Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are now "very close’"to agreeing a new contract with Folarin Balogun, and has explained the process behind convincing the 19-year-old to stay.
Talks over extending the young striker’s career in north London have been ongoing for months, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
It had looked like the forward would move on for free in the summer, with clubs from across Europe interested in luring him away from Arsenal, but talks have progressed well in recent weeks, with an announcement believed to be imminent.