July 18th 2023.
Arsenal are currently in the process of deciding the future of their highly rated young forward, Folarin Balogun. After a standout season with Reims in Ligue 1, Balogun outscored Lionel Messi and Neymar with 22 goals in 39 games, gaining the interest of five European clubs.
Mikel Arteta has plans to make a final decision on Balogun's future at Arsenal following the club's pre-season schedule. Balogun is set to have a chance to make a claim for a role in the first team during pre-season, as he joins the squad in America following a week in Germany.
However, the 22-year-old expressed no interest in going out on loan next season, meaning Arsenal must decide whether to keep the player in north London or cash in for a value of around £50m. Balogun is competing with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz for a place in the team.
Arteta stated ‘He’s done incredibly well. Now we have to think about what is best to do. We want to see him, we want to experience him in the next few games. He played the last game against Nuremberg and he will play in the next few games. Then we’ll make the best decision.’
Balogun has been with Arsenal since the age of seven and has only made 10 appearances for the Gunners' first team since 2021. He recently made his debut for the USA national team, which he is very excited about.
He spoke about his upcoming pre-season match against an MLS All-Star team on Wednesday, saying ‘As soon as I heard that our pre-season tour was in America I was so happy and excited to be coming back here. The vibes are always good, the people are always lovely and I’m just looking forward to the game.’
Balogun added ‘I obviously went away and the point was to prove I could play first team football. I feel I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level. I think with me coming back it’s not really much of a situation where I think I can need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it’s a decision that’s not really with me. Whatever happens I’m cool with it.’
It remains to be seen whether Balogun will remain with Arsenal or move on to another team. Arteta is yet to make his final decision, and with pre-season in full swing, we may not have to wait too long to find out.
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