Allnigeriasoccer.com has been told that Arsenal first-team manager Mikel Arteta will monitor teenage striker of Nigerian descent Folarin Balogun during pre-season training.

The 19-year-old has been told to report for pre-season with the first team, and is in contention to be included in the traveling squad to United States, where they will take part in the seventh edition of the Florida Cup as part of their preparations before the start of the 2021-2022 season.

It is understood that Arteta will make a final decision whether or not to promote Balogun to the first team on a permanent basis after running the rule over the attacker in pre-season.

The Hale End Academy product ended speculation about his future by signing a four-year deal with the Gunners in April.

He was the subject of interest from clubs based in France, Germany and the Premier League in England before extending his contract.

Last season, the American-born starlet scored two goals and provided an assist in six matches for the first team and will be hoping to make his Premier League and FA Cup debuts in the forthcoming season.

At youth level, Balogun has proved that he has the ability to score goals, netting 55 goals in 79 games for Arsenal U18 and U23 teams.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel