Liverpool are carefully monitoring Folarin Balogun’s contractual situation with the Arsenal striker now looking increasingly likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old striker has been prolific at youth level for his boyhood club and although he has made an impressive breakthrough during the Europa League group stages this season, he has been unable to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s Premier League plans.

Balogun scored against Molde and Dundalk last month to add to his burgeoning reputation, but remains behind senior strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order, as well as fellow youngster Eddie Nketiah. Balogun has just over six months remaining on his current deal and, according to The Athletic, while there remains a possibility he could extend, currently the two parties are a considerable distance apart.

Liverpool are said to be keen admirers of Balogun, but a move abroad is reported to be a more likely option with the teenager free to speak to foreign clubs once the transfer window reopens in January.

Speaking after the win over Dundalk earlier this month, Mikel Arteta had been hopeful of retaining Balogun’s services and had been optimistic on the club’s chances of finding a resolution. He said: ‘Well we’re having some discussions with the player. He knows that we want to retain him at the club.