A confirmation of details for Arsenal's upcoming pre-season tour to the United States has hinted at a decision about the future of Folarin Balogun. The USMNT striker is among the long list of players expected to leave the Gunners this summer in search of first-team football.
Following his impressive loan spell with Stade Reims in France, Balogun has been the subject of strong interest from around Europe. football.london understands Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are keen on the 22-year-old, with teams from Italy and England also interested.
Balogun recently returned to London Colney to begin his preparations for the new season. He did travel with the rest of the squad to Adidas HQ in Germany ahead of Thursday's pre-season game with FC Nurnberg, though it's unclear whether he will feature after only returning from his holidays over the weekend.
However, his participation in the Gunners' trip to the United States has already been revealed. Balogun will take part in the 2023 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 18. The challenge, according to MLS Soccer, will see ten players from each team competing in a series of skill-based games.
There will be six different events in total: Shooting Challenge, Touch Challenge, Cross & Volley Challenge, Passing Challenge and Crossbar Challenge.
Alongside Balogun, Kai Havertz, Karl Hein, Rob Holding, Jorginho, Marquinhos, Eddie Nketiah, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Fabio Vieira will compete in the challenge. The USA star will take part in the Shooting, Cross & Volley and Crossbar Challenge.
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In the MLS roster, former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke and highly-rated Argentine Thiago Almada are the stand-out names. LA Galaxy Riqui Puig joins them alongside former Arsenal transfer target Jesus Ferreira.
Confirmation of Balogun's participation in the challenge provides a huge hint over the future of the striker. Interest has increased in recent days, but his inclusion in the trip Stateside indicates that the Gunners are planning on using him against the MLS All-Stars the following day.
Arsenal are reportedly demanding a whopping £50 million ($63.8m) for Balogun this summer after his 22 goals in France last season. It is currently unclear whether the price tag will be met, meaning the 22-year-old remains part of Arteta's plans.
