Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has taken a dig at the agent of striker Folarin Balogun by claiming he’s wrecking contract negotiations between the club and the forward.
Balogun, 19, is out of contract at the end of the season and Arteta has made no secret of his desire for the striker to stay at the Emirates.
The teenager has scored twice in five appearances for the Gunners this term and he’s been linked with rivals Liverpool.
After considering an exit last summer, Arteta claimed recently that Balogun now wants to stay at the club and he reitterated as much in today’s press conference before the FA Cup clash against Newcastle United this weekend.
However, in an untypically spiky reply from Arteta, the former Manchester City coach suggested it was Balogun’s agent that was the problem.
‘You need three parties to make a deal,’ said Arteta.
‘For sure, the club wants to make a deal, the manager wants to make a deal, the player wants to stay and I’m not sure about the agent.’
It’s expected to be a busy month of outgoings for Arsenal, with Sead Kolasinac becoming the first player out the door as the Bosnian rejoined former side Schalke.
Mesut Ozil has been heavily linked with both Fenerbahce and DC United, and the German’s agent insisted yesterday that a decision will be made on his future in the ‘coming days’.
However, Arteta insists a deal will only materialise if it suits both parties.
‘If something is sorted this month it’s because it’s good for both parties, because it’s good for Mesut and his future and because it’s good for the club,’ said Arteta.
‘If that’s the case we’ll move forward and if not the player will continue here.’