Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are 'very close' to re-signing Folarin Balogun.

The talented 19-year-old striker rejected two contract offers from the Gunners and had 15 offers from other clubs.

But Arteta has managed to convince Balogun that he has a pathway to the first-team.

"We're going to make it official when it's official and everything is done," Arteta said of Arsenal's Europa League quarter-final with Slavia Prague on Thursday.

"But as I said before I was being very positive that he wants to stay at the club. We want him to stay at the club so we are very close."

Asked how the situation changed, Arteta added: "Just by trying to, first of all, understand why he got to the point that he was really thinking about leaving the football club after being raised here and the feelings that he had built towards the club.

"Once you understand the position of him, then try to explain what you want to do, how involved he is going to be in the project and how. Then, get the full commitment from the club and support from Edu, who I think has done an incredible job as well."

Arteta was then asked whether Balogun will stay with the squad next season or go on loan, to which he replied: "First of all we have to sign him! Once we sign him, we go step-by-step and we'll communicate with you guys on what we're doing."