By Francis Ajuonuma
Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has told Anglo-American-Nigeria star, Folarin Balogun to work hard if he hopes to feature regularly in the Arsenal first team.

Arteta made this known to the Hale End Academy graduate when he spoke to the press on Thursday ahead of the Gunners Premier League clash against Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Folarin made his Premier League debut on the opening day of the season at Brentford, before coming in as a substitute in the game against Chelsea but missed out on the matchday squad entirely against West Brom and Manchester City.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette now available for selection after Covid-19 related absences, Balogun has dropped down Arteta’s pecking order of strikers.

Though, Arteta has been impressed with the youngster work rate in the pre-season, he still believes there is need for improvement.

“Well, he made his debut against Brentford and he played the following game against Chelsea as well so it has been a big, big step for him in the last few months. He did all the pre-season with us so he has already learnt a lot in a few months.

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“He is another player in the squad that has to fight for his place and ensure that he’s available to do that.”

Balogun made his debut for England U21s in their 2-0 win over Kosovo in an U21 EURO qualifier on Tuesday, September 7.