Much of Wednesday's pre-match press conference involved speculation around Folarin Balogun's future.
So here's every word Mikel Arteta said about our highly-rated youngster:
on Folarin Balogun's reported new contract...
We're going to make it official when it's official and everything is done, but as I said before I was being very positive that he wants to stay at the club. We want him to stay at the club so we are very close.
on Balogun and how the situation has seemingly changed...
Just by trying to, first of all, understand why he got to the point that he was really thinking about leaving the football club after being raised here and the feelings that he had built towards the club. Once you understand the position of him, then try to explain what you want to do, how involved he is going to be in the project and how. Then, get the full commitment from the club and support from Edu, who I think has done an incredible job as well.
on whether Balogun will stay with the squad next season or go on loan...
First of all we have to sign him! Once we sign him, we go step-by-step and we'll communicate with you guys on what we're doing.
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