Liverpool could face competition in the pursuit of Arsenal’s young striker Folarin Balogun, according to a report from German outlet Kicker.
They claimed that Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart are discussing the possibility of attempting to entice the 19-year-old away from England in favour of a move abroad, an avenue which has become increasingly popular with young English talent.
Interest from the Premier League champions reached its peak recently when The Athletic claimed the Reds are among the clubs hopeful of signing the highly-rated striker at the end of the season, when he would be available for nothing.
Despite being born in the USA, Balogun has represented England at under-20 level and has made four Europa League appearances this term for the Gunners, scoring twice and supplying one assist.
With comparisons to elite former Premier League strikers Andy Cole and Ian Wright from former Arsenal affiliated defender Martin Keown already to his name, Balogun certainly seems to have caught the eye.
Jurgen Klopp has always kept one eye on the future during his time in charge at Anfield and hasn’t been afraid to give youth a chance in lieu of more experienced performers. A childhood Stuttgart fan having been born in the city, the Reds manager will be hoping this is one battle Die Roten don’t win.
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After seeing Dominic Solanke arrive from a London club with lots of promise before going on to endure a torrid spell on Merseyside, Liverpool fans may be forgiven for not getting too enamoured over the potential of Balogun.
However, once bitten twice shy isn’t always the best standpoint and the Arsenal youngster comes with a plethora of goals already to his name, including 25 in just 19 matches during the 2018/29 Premier League 2 campaign.
With former Reds hopeful Rhian Brewster now at Sheffield United and Solanke’s disappointing spell a distant memory, there is certainly space for an up-and-coming striker to follow in some legendary Anfield footsteps.
