Folarin Balogun has sent a clear message to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal ahead of a key summer for the USMNT international. After confirming that he would be representing America at senior level, the 21-year-old has made the perfect start to life for his country, showing the Gunners what he's all about.
Having already bagged 21 league goals in his first full senior season, a year spent productively away at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, Balogun is now a sought-after player. There is interest from across the Premier League and Europe in his services as his stock continues to rise.
After opening his account for the USA, scoring the second in their 2-0 win over Canada to seal a second CONCACAF Nations League in a row, he has capped off a fine breakthrough season. While Arsenal look toward a central figure in their attack to rely on for goals - Arteta's men spread them around in the league with four players scoring ten or more - Balogun is making a real case to be given a chance.
However, with Gabriel Jesus occupying the current striker spot in the team and both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka continuing to flourish and impress, it's a tough frontline to squeeze into. Fellow Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah played back-up last season but only managed four goals in Jesus' wake and didn't score whilst the Brazilian was fit.
With the 23-year-old seemingly settled at the Emirates Stadium and ahead of Balogun in the pecking order for now, it poses a major question for manager, player and club as to what happens next. Balogun, who is now making a name for himself, has taken a strong position.
"What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again," he said firmly after helping BJ Callaghan's side to victory on Monday morning. "I'm not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I'm not sure what's going to happen.
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"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."
He will also face the prospect of having to compete against Chelsea star Kai Havertz with the Gunners exploring a deal for the attacker. Havertz has most commonly played as a striker for the Blues but also operates deeper and from wide areas. Nevertheless, it is still added competition that only clouds his future.
It has made for the end of a busy week for Balogun, who was at the centre of the semi-final win over Mexico after being on the end of a Cesar Montes kick out that saw the game explode into chaos with four red cards issued inside 20 minutes. After going off and seeing Ricardo Pepi race on to score the third, Balogun was still selected from the start against Canada and made his chance count.
Just 35 minutes into the game he wrapped up the title, latching onto a neat through ball and smashing home for his first and USA's second.
He now has one week before more international action as America get to action in the Gold Cup. After that there is the question of just what Arteta has planned for Balogun ahead of a pre-season tour of USA. It is an issue he has not been keen to open up on much this season, last speaking out in April.
"[He needs] To focus on today, and focus on what he had been doing because he has been phenomenal," the Arsenal boss said. "Keep doing what he has been doing and don’t focus on anything else, and everything else will come naturally.
"I would try to do what he has been doing because he’s been working really well for him and the team."
The next task for Balogun is to convince his club manager that he can be the man to take Arsenal to the next level, or at least be worth a shot at it.
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