According to reports, Arsenal are ready to sell young defender Daniel Ballard in the upcoming transfer window if they receive appropriate offers. Ballard is one of the brightest prospects of the Hale End academy and clubs in England and abroad are interested in his services.

The Arsenal academy graduate made his jump to the senior squad in 2019, but failed to make an appearance for the Gunners. He was sent on loan to Swindon Town the same year, but a knee injury halted his progress and he returned to the Emirates.

However, he bounced back and has, since then, spent two back-to-back successful loan spells at Blackpool and Millwall. The North London side have been very impressed with the progress the defender has made in the previous two seasons.

The 22-year-old had an excellent 21-22 season at Millwall, putting in impressive performances and helping them to a ninth-place finish in the Championship. He made 32 appearances for the South London side across all competitions, also chipping in a solitary goal (stats via Transfermarkt).

As reported by Goal, Arsenal have held talks with the representatives of Daniel Ballard and have made a decision to let the player leave on a permanent move this summer. Nevertheless, they are willing to sell him only if a suitable offer is presented.

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Daniel Ballard, Millwall 2021-22, Centre Back Template

It's been reported that Arsenal will sell Ballard if their valuation is met. I suspect there will be quite a few sides interested in him. He's a progressive defender that's solid in the air and has an attacking threat. pic.twitter.com/OK9y45cmxH

— Liam Henshaw (@HenshawAnalysis) May 25, 2022

With two years remaining on his contract with the Gunners, another loan could be a viable option. Arteta already has Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding in his books while William Saliba and Pablo Mari are returning from loan.

There are serious doubts about the amount of game-time Daniel Ballard will receive for at the Emirates. It is still early but both parties seem to have reached a mutual agreement and have decided that a permanent move will help him progress further. However, the Gunners might look to include a buy-back option into the deal.

Several English as well as foreign clubs have showcased their interest in signing Ballard. Millwall very keen on bringing the Northern Ireland defender back to the club. Earlier in March, Millwall manager Gary Rowett said about Ballard:

“Someone like Dan Ballard, I’ve said it before, we’d love to keep him at the club, whether that’s on loan or whether that’s permanent.”

“But he’s Arsenal’s player and I’m sure they’ve got a plan for him long-term that’s maybe not the exact one we would hope for.”

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Meanwhile, Arsenal academy coach, Per Mertesacker (via GOAL), spoke highly about the progress and impact made by Daniel Ballard:

“You get players like Dan Ballard, whose development we are really proud of. He’s now a reliable defender, playing international football for Northern Ireland and scoring for Millwall in the Championship. It’s brilliant to see.”

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