Folarin Balogun, the young Arsenal striker, has been making headlines recently, with rumors swirling around his potential switch to the US Men’s National Team (USMNT).
The latest hint dropped on his Instagram has left fans wondering again whether joining the Stars and Stripes is imminent. Balogun could soon announce his allegiance to the United States internationally after he failed to make England’s latest call-up.
Balogun, born in New York City to Nigerian parents, grew up in England. He’s made 13 appearances for the England youth national teams. However, the 21-year-old is still eligible to play for the United States.
“In life, go where you’re appreciated,” the youngster posted to his Instagram stories.
Interim USMNT manager Anthony Hudson also dropped a hint of Balogun possibly representing the USA. “All I’ll say, there is open dialogue with him and his team. That dialogue is continuing. That’s all I can say,” Hudson announced during his March Roster Press Conference yesterday.
Will Balogun leave Arsenal too?
The striker is in peak form, having scored 16 league goals in 23 games for Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims where he’s on loan from Arsenal.
Last weekend, Balogun achieved a remarkable feat in his debut season in Ligue 1. He became the youngest player in over six decades to score at least 16 goals in a single season. He’s only three goals behind Kylian Mbappe as the league’s leading scorer.
Arsenal is fully aware of the prolific striker. The Gunners have the option to keep, loan, or cash in on the Balogun this summer. AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, Ajax, and Newcastle are all interested in plucking the highly-rate forward out of North London.
Bidders should expect to pay at least $40 million in transfer fees for the player who grew up in Arsenal’s Hale End Academy.
It’s an exciting time for the youngster as fans on both sides of the Atlantic anxiously await his future commitments to club and country.
Photo: Instagram/@balogun
