Middlesbrough are one of a number of Championship clubs looking to sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun on loan in January.
Balogun, who signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in April, has struggled for action this season and played just 77 minutes of first-team football.
The youngster has instead been impressing for the club’s under-23 side, but he is expected to go out on loan when the January transfer window opens.
Several Championship clubs are keen on loaning Balogun for six months, with Middlesbrough pushing hard.
The club are managed by Chris Wilder, who tried to sign Balogun last year when he was in charge of Sheffield United.
Middlesbrough are hoping that could help them win the race for the 20-year-old, but they are likely to face strong competition.
Arsenal’s technical team, including loan manager Ben Knapper, are currently assessing the possible destinations for Balogun as there is interest from abroad, too.
Another Arsenal striker attracting interest from abroad is Eddie Nketiah, who is refusing to sign a new contract with the club.
The 22-year-old is into the final year of his current deal and, from January, he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club before joining them for free in the summer.
Several Bundesliga sides are interested in Nketiah and he could be open to kickstarting his career in Germany, with the youngster basing his next move around where he will get the most chances to play regularly and develop.
