As Arsenal approach the business end of the season, attentions may already be turning towards the summer, and what the transfer window could potentially hold.This, after all, will only be Mikel Arteta’s second opportunity to bring in the players he wants, and shape the squad in his own image. And whilst the Spaniard will be keen for some big-money reinforcements just like any other manager, he may have to contend with one or two gut-wrenching decisions.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract in particular will be an issue for the likes of Raul Sanllehi and Edu to address. The Gabon international’s existing deal with the club comes to an end in the summer of 2021, and the Gunners board have previously gone on record to say they will not allow players to run down their contracts any more.

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If that is the case, and Arsenal do look to cash in on Aubameyang, then they will of course be searching for someone to step into the mantle. And that is where exciting starlet Folarin Balogun comes in.

Whilst he may not be the former Borussia Dortmund star’s ready-made successor right now, he could well turn out to be the long-term heir to the throne.

The 18-year-old has completely blown away opposition sides at academy level, and is simply making it look far too easy. In 41 games for the U18s, he scored 38 goals and provided a further eight assists, and such were his performances, that he is now playing for the U23s side.

And even here, he is showing he is more than capable of meeting expectations. He has struck ten times in 15 Premier League 2 games this season, whilst he was the match-winner earlier in mid-week, when Arsenal’s U23s overcame Monaco to reach the semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup.

His displays have been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s no surprise that Aubameyang himself has paid glowing tributes to his fellow striker.

Whilst Eddie Nketiah may be the man making the headlines recently following his goal-scoring return from a loan spell at Leeds, it could well be Balogun’s emergence that prompts Sanllehi to consider promoting the talented Arsenal youngster into the first-team ranks.

That would allow the Gunners to be a bit shrewder with their money, and spend it elsewhere in positions they need. Balogun’s track record proves he is definitely worth giving a shot sooner rather than later, and could eventually end up being the permanent successor to the man who he has been endorsed by: Aubameyang.

Meanwhile, this Arsenal target could be an upgrade on Nicolas Pepe.