Folarin Balogun is to join the USMNT but what of his Arsenal future?

Folarin Balogun’s international future looks to be sorted. However, there are still questions about where he will play his club soccer next season. 

Anyone who follows Folarin Balogun on Instagram would have seen his trip to Orlando over the international break. The U.S. men’s national team was training in the city and they would have hoped that they have done enough to convince him to switch his allegiance from England.

It has been reported by TEAMtalk that “the 21-year-old is ready to commit to USMNT ahead of England. We understand their officials are confident they can persuade him to commit to them.

“The FA continue to battle hard to convince him and are continuing talks with him and his people.”

Has Folarin Balogun made the right decision?

Balogun was left out of the England senior team and it appeared that he took this to heart when he posted in his Instagram story a caption that read, “In life go where you’re appreciated.”

The USMNT has shown him a lot of appreciation, which would have been key to the player making his decision. With the Stars and Stripes, Balogun would be their first-choice striker, a position they need to strengthen in their roster.

Although, Balogun is one of the most promising young forwards in the game. A bit more patience could one day see him replace Harry Kane in leading England’s attack.

It would be much tougher to get into Gareth Southgate’s squad as they also have Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Eddie Nketiah in their ranks.

If Balogun does not believe he can force his way into the Three Lions line up then it could be the right decision to join the USMNT.

Where will Folarin Balogun be playing club soccer next season?

Balogun has done very well whilst on loan at Stade de Reims from Arsenal this season. However, his club soccer situation is still up in the air, with the player being linked with a move away from the Gunners.

According to allNIGERIAsoccer, “Bayern Munich have placed the Hale End Academy product on their radar, while RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are also following his progress.

“Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atalanta are trying to lure Balogun to the Serie A; Marseille and Monaco are his French suitors, and he is on the wishlist of Real Sociedad and Villarreal in Spain.”

Balogun has scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 this season, which is just two less than Kylian Mbappe and Jonathon David who top the division’s charts. With this record, the player would fancy his chances at Europe’s top clubs like Bayern, Inter and Milan.

Staying in France by joining Marseille or Monaco would be seen as a safe option as he has already proved himself in their league. A move to Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga would show more ambition.

He may also want to try and force his way into Arsenal’s starting lineup. His parent club currently have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as their striking options. Jesus spent a portion of this season out injured so he would likely get an opportunity in Mikel Arteta’s team if he stays with the Gunners.