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Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker backs Folarin Balogun to make huge step up to the first-team... but reveals talented young striker is set to leave the club on loan in January

Arsenal's academy manager Per Mertesacker has picked out Folarin Balogun as the most likely youngster to make the step up to the first-team - but reveals he is likely to be sent out on loan in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old striker, who was born in New York, has already played nine times for the first time, mostly in cup competitions.

That said, he has made two Premier League appearances under Mikel Arteta this season, starting against Brentford in the opening match of the campaign and then coming on against Chelsea.