Boro Hoping Ex Sheffield United Boss Will Play Key Role in Beating Blades To Arsenal Hotshot’s Signature

Boro Hoping Ex Sheffield United Boss Will Play Key Role in Beating Blades To Arsenal Hotshot’s Signature

Middlesbrough believe Chris Wilder could be their trump card in securing the services of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, according to reports in England.

The former Blades boss was appointed Boro manager last month and he has set his sights on snapping up Balogun in the January transfer window, ahead of his former club and West Ham.

Wilder was interested in signing Balogun when he was Sheffield United head coach and his persistence could pay off if Arsenal’s loan manager Ben Knapper can be persuaded that the Riverside Stadium is the right move for the player.

The Blades’ current manager Paul Heckingbottom will, of course, have other ideas, while there are several other Championship teams and clubs abroad keen on the England Under 21 international.

Balogun did start Arsenal’s first game of the season against Brentford but he has spent the majority of the campaign with the Under 23s. He has been racking up very good numbers, though, having scored 14 goals in just 10 Premier League 2 appearances.