Arsenal star Folarin Balogun has been in talks with joining the US men's national team after being overlooked for Gareth Southgate's latest England squad. This comes after the promising 21-year-old posted a cryptic message on Instagram - where he wrote "going where you're appreciated" - indicating his frustration at not being called up for the March Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
On loan from the Gunners, Balogun has impressed at French side Reims this campaign. His Ligue 1 goal tally of 17, from 28 matches, is only bettered by PSG's Kylian Mbappe and Lille's Jonathan David, with both having netted 19 league goals this term.
Despite those impressive numbers, there was no place for him in Southgate's first squad since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Instead, the forward berths were represented by Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Ivan Toney, with Marcus Rashford later having to withdraw due to a knock.
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Balogun was once again selected for the U21s, who he has represented 13 times, but was another forced to withdraw due to an injury concern. This has sparked further speculation over his long-term international future, with the exciting youngster eligible to represent the USMNT at senior level on account of being born in New York.
He has already been in contact with interim boss Anthony Hudson, while Chelsea winger and potential-future US teammate Christian Pulisic sent a message to Balogun amid the suggestions of a possible switch. The day after Hudson confirmed he had engaged in discussions with the Arsenal player, Pulisic welcomed the idea of Balogun representing the US, and said he would love to see him compete across the Atlantic.
"Obviously, I've seen that he's in Florida. I haven't really spoken to him personally," he told reporters on Friday. "But I know some of the guys that know him from previous teams or whatever have reached out to him and spoken to him. Obviously, from our side, we'd love to have him."
Balogun is still able to revert to the Stars and Stripes as he is yet to make his senior Three Lions debut. In fact, the 21-year-old has already proven his dual-nationality, as he played four times for the United States' U18s side.
While his future on the international stage seems unclear, next season's club destination also remains up in the air. When he arrives back in north London, he will find both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah blocking his pathway to a regular starting role in Mikel Arteta's side, potentially creating a dilemma for the Gunners should a club come in with a substantial bid.
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