Flo Balogun has revealed he is studying Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta ahead of a bid to break into his first team next season.
The England U21 striker is hoping the pressure of playing in Middlesbrough’s promotion campaign will earn a chance at Emirates Stadium next season. Balogun netted for Lee Carsley’s Young Lions against Andorra last week and will lead the line again in the Euro qualifier against Albania on Tuesday.
The prolific Arsenal U23 star says he is learning fast after moving into “men’s football” in January and hasn’t given up on a future Arsenal. Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Arsenal in controversial circumstances in January. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract at the end of the season meaning Arteta will strengthen the strike department and perhaps have another look at Balogun.
He said: “It is really exciting to watch Arsenal now. Any single player would love to be in a side like that that is doing well. I am looking at them and looking at what I can do to get into that team and adding to my qualities. At Boro I think my game has become more mature. At U23s I was able to get away with things. In men’s football you need to play with your head more. I know there is more I can do to improve.
“I would say the biggest thing is that it means a bit more the higher you go up. Lose the ball and you give the opposition a chance to score or harm you. You need to be smarter to not get into that situation. It is the environment… there is no hiding. We are trying to get promoted at Middlesbrough. That is the aim of the club. I have had to adapt to that. You can sense the pressure and it is a good pressure.”
Balogun has been speaking to good friend Emile Smith-Rowe this season to pick his brains on how to make his Gunners breakthrough. He said: “I speak to him regularly and he reiterates the same thing, embrace it and use these opportunities to learn, and I do listen to that. I wouldn’t say every player needs a loan, everyone has a different journey. For me it was the right thing to do so I did it. I don’t go into games thinking I have to impress. I just need to do it on a consistent basis.”
With dozens of England youth players having dual nationality, Balogun says he is following his heart in playing for the Three Lions. He said: " I would not say it is difficult. With international football you follow your heart. Lots can play for more than one nation. You choose where your heart is. That is how I see it."
