Folarin Balogun finds himself with a number of key decisions to make that could mould the rest of his career. The Arsenal striker has emerged as one of Europe's brightest talents this season and is desired on the international stage.
The Hale End graduate has plied his trade in France with Stade de Reims this season and has scored an impressive 17 goals in 28 appearances. Only two players have scored more Ligue 1 goals than him - Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David - providing Arsenal with a slight headache to contend with at the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta's men have undergone a successful season themselves, with a first Premier League title since 2004 on the cards with 11 games to go. However, Gabriel Jesus' injury at the World Cup left Eddie Nketiah as the club's only natural striker.
READ MORE: Folarin Balogun Arsenal transfer could accelerate major USMNT decision
The Gunners face a battle to keep hold of Balogun at the end of the season, with Italian giants AC Milan monitoring his situation in north London. However, a decision awaits the 21-year-old which could play a rule in what his club career produces.
Balogun has been a regular in the England youth set-up since a young age. After being handed his debut at under-17 level by Steve Cooper, he has made 26 appearances and scored nine goals. However, the roadmap to Gareth Southgate's senior squad is rather blurred due to the number of attackers already at the Three Lions' disposal.
It has been widely reported in recent months that a switch to the USMNT could be an option. The striker was born in New York and has been capped at U18 level. However, there is also the possibility of featuring for the Nigeria squad due to both of his parents being Nigerian.
Balogun hasn't offered any hint of his likely preference but has been tipped to be included in Anthony Hudson's upcoming squad for their CONCACAF Nations League fixtures against Grenada and El Salvador.
MLS and USMNT insider Tom Bogert has insisted he would love to see Balogun named in the squad, with the USA side lacking a proven goalscorer. "Man: I'd love to see the official announcement be led with a picture of Folarin Balogun," he said on the MLS website.
"The New York-born centre forward, who has most recently been with England youth national teams and is also eligible for Nigeria, is killing it in France on loan at Reims. I think it's a possibility he picks the USMNT, maybe even as soon as now, but there isn't much urgency to do so before a pair of Nations League games."
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Folarin Balogun Arsenal transfer could accelerate major USMNT decision
