Folarin Balogun is close to leaving Arsenal and sealing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club, according to the Athletic.

Balogun has come through the ranks at Arsenal, but looks set to leave the Emirates Stadium amid plenty of interest in his signature.

The 19-year-old has made five first-team appearances under Mikel Arteta this season, with all of those games coming in cup competitions.

The striker has netted twice in the UEFA Europa League, scoring in wins over Molde and Dundalk in the group stage.

But with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Balogun is now allowed to discuss terms with other clubs.

And, according to the Athletic, Balogun is close to sealing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club, with his exit from Arsenal looking imminent.

This spells bad news for Swansea City, who have reportedly made contact over a potential loan move after a deal for Michael Obafemi broke down.

The Verdict

I think Balogun deserves credit to be honest.

Rather than sign a new deal at Arsenal and sit on the bench week in, week out, he's leaving the country and joining another club for more first-team chances.

He has looked bright in the Europa League this season and scored a couple of goals, but the club clearly don't see him at the required standard.

Swansea need to bring in a new striker, and they look set to miss out on another Premier League starlet here.