Kevin Phillips wants West Brom to sign available Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips is open to the idea of West Brom signing Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun on loan in the January transfer window.
The Athletic journalist David Ornstein reported on Monday that the Gunners are ready to send the 20-year-old forward out on loan next month.
Balogun’s been in insane form for the London club’s Under-23s and it is understood that they want the England Under-21 international to be challenged at a higher level.
It remains to be seen where Balogun may head next month but Phillips likes the idea of him swapping North London for the Black Country on a temporary basis.
Speaking to West Brom News, Super Kev said: “That’ll be the type of player I’m looking at.
“He doesn’t really know the league so he’d be coming in fresh and coming in from a bigger club where these young players have got that slight bit of arrogance about them where they take opportunities when given.
“I’d be looking at that kind of player who could come in and surprise a few people.
“He’s training day in, day out with big-name players so it wouldn’t affect him coming to a club that’s got the expectation of West Brom to get promoted.
“They just need a proven goalscorer, someone who wants to play on the shoulder of the last defender, run in behind and get those scrappy, clinical finishes.”
Balogun has played three times for Arsenal’s senior side this season but it’s his form in Premier League 2 that has people talking.
The USA-born striker has netted an incredible 14 goals in 11 matches at that level, suggesting he’s way too good to be playing Under-23s football now.
West Brom have been shy of goals lately, scoring just four goals in their last seven Championship matches so the need for a new striker in January is as plain as day.
In other West Brom news, Phillips has slammed this senior Albion player who’s frustrated him this season.
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