Folarin Balogun gets transfer suggestion as Arsenal uncertainty continues

Returning USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter has weighed in on the transfer speculation surrounding Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun. The 21-year-old has impressed while out on loan, and in his much anticipated debut for the national side, but his future remains unclear.

Balogun enjoyed a season to remember in 2022-23, joining Ligue 1 side Reims on loan from the Gunners. With 25 goal contributions in 39 games to his name he starred and his 21-goal total saw him finish fourth in the French league’s top scorer list.

The Brooklyn-born striker topped off an incredible season by helping the USA to a Concacaf Nations League victory. Balogun made his senior international debut for USMNT and scored his first goal for his country in the final against Canada.

Now that the season has reached its end, the 21-year-old has some tough decisions to make. Fortunately his recently reappointed USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has offered some advice to the Englishman, and his fellow USMNT forward Christian Pulisic.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about this summers transfer speculation, Berhalter said: “Christian plays for Chelsea. But Italy and Milan are still very attractive destinations, not least because of the possibility of playing in the Champions League.

“But no advice, these are personal choices. The same goes for Balogun, who is already a certainty and not just a striker of the future as I hear people say. We’ll see…”

In recent weeks both Balogun and Pulisic have been linked with moves away from the Premier League. It would come as no surprise if the Chelsea forward went in search of more gametime after managing only a handful of appearances towards the end of the season, most of which came from the bench and lasted a matter of minutes.

Balogun on the other hand was a regular starter at Reims where he hit the ground running, and briefly topped the Ligue 1 top scorers charts. It now remains to be seen whether Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have faith in the in-form USMNT star to lead the Gunners’ attack next season.

Following the Concacaf Nations League win Balogun addressed the rumours surrounding his future at Arsenal, and made his thoughts clear on another potential loan spell. “I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place,” he said.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”