Balogun called up to train with first team as Arsenal commence pre-season

American-Anglo-Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun has been called up to the first team by manager Mikel Arteta as Arsenal commenced pre-season training on Wednesday, July 7.

The Gunners players worked out at London Colney on Thursday and training images published by the club's official website confirm that the England youth international participated in the session.

Balogun has been tipped for big things after starring in last season's Europa League when called upon by Arteta, with a goal involvement of three (2 goals, 1 assist) in five appearances off the bench.

He has been in prolific form for Arsenal youth teams, scoring 55 goals in the league for the U18s and U23s.

2021-2022 will be a defining season for Balogun as he is aiming to break into the first team on a permanent basis, which is no mean feat considering that he was behind skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order of strikers last season.

The 20-year-old will have a chance to show what he is made of in at least one of the pre-season friendlies against Hibernian, Glasgow Rangers, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel