Liverpool have been linked with a move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun recently and the youngster could well prove to be the Reds' next Michael Owen.

According to David Ornstein in The Athletic, Jurgen Klopp's side are admirers of the 19-year-old, who is yet to agree a new contract with Arsenal, meaning he would be free to leave the club in the summer.

Considering Michael Edwards could potentially sign the striker on a free transfer, he could be compared to former Liverpool man Michael Owen, who was a product of the Reds' academy, going on to score 158 goals for the Merseyside club in his time there.

The pacey forward would also win the Ballon d'Or during his time with Liverpool, before completing a move to Real Madrid.

Like Owen, Balogun has been prolific at youth level with Arsenal, contributing an extraordinary 38 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances for the Gunners' U'18 side.

His performances have clearly attracted the interest of Mikel Arteta, with the youngster having now made five appearances for the senior side, in which he has contributed an impressive two goals and one assist.

Whilst Balogun is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League for Arsenal, he has been a regular in their Europa League campaign already this season, which will surely have helped his experience.

Therefore, it is no surprise to hear that Liverpool are taking an interest in the prolific youngster and considering he is currently valued at £3.6 million, signing him on a free transfer would surely prove to be an excellent financial decision, even if he struggled to impress with the Merseyside club.

However, it seems as if the Reds will face stiff competition for the New York-born forward, with Ornstein suggesting that there is strong interest from Bundesliga sides, and they would be free to begin negotiations with him on January 1.

Hopefully, for Klopp's side, the draw of playing for the current Premier League champions will prove decisive in their chances of signing Balogun, as he looks to be a very talented prospect indeed.

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