Middlesbrough sign 'natural finisher' Folarin Balogun on loan from Arsenal

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Chris Wilder is confident he has found a 'natural finisher' in the shape of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, who has finally completed his expected loan move to the club.

The England under-21 international - who has hit 13 goals in 11 Premier League 2 starts this season and netted twice in the Papa John's Trophy - has joined for the rest of the campaign with his arrival following on from the addition of Brighton forward Aaron Connolly.

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Both strikers will provide a pacey outlet for the Teessiders, who have propelled themselves in the play-off mix by virtue of an excellent run of form under Wilder, whose side have won five of their last six matches in all competitions.

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Balogun, 20, who has made two Premier League appearances this season, has featured 16 times at first-team level for the Gunners and scored twice in five Europa League appearances last term.

Wilder, who has also brought in Birmingham midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce this month - with the Northern Irishman netting on his debut in the club's victory in the FA Cup at Mansfield last weekend - said: “We’re delighted to get Flo in.

"He’s a player I’ve known about for a long time and we identified him as someone who could come in and improve us in the second half of the season.

“He has great movement, good pace, and he’s a natural finisher. We’re looking forward to working with him.”

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