Amid a summer transfer window that has generated a wealth of buzz in and around north London, Premier League runner-up Arsenal must also contend with outgoings surrounding what has been heralded spending on first-team improvements, with Hale End academy product Folarin Balogun looking all but guaranteed to leave the Emirates.
Despite bagging 21 goals in 2022-23 on loan under young tactician Will Still at Stade de Reims, the United States international likely has no immediate future under Mikel Arteta on the back of a desire to be considered first-choice in the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.
Balogun on his future
“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 soemthing, I think it’s a decision that’s not really with me. Whatever happens I’m cool with it.”Full story 👇https://t.co/z6iZtD4X4U
— Kaya Kaynak (@kayakaynak97) July 17, 2023
With the Gunners boss boasting both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, as well as Leandro Trossard and summer acquisition Kai Havertz both being able to deputize in the middle of the front three, Balogun’s minutes at Arsenal would likely be severely diminished. As the Brooklyn-born striker has now declared his footballing allegiance at full international level to the United States, the 22-year-old will be in search of maximizing his minutes on the pitch to keep ahead of national team competition from the likes of Ricardo Pepi and Jesus Ferreira.
As reported by Football.London’s chief Arsenal writer Kaya Kaynak, Balogun’s quotes to the press during the club’s summer tour of the United States paints a picture of a player who is not only confident in his ability but relaxed about securing his future this summer.
“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.”
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