Arsenal 6 Sevilla 0 : Anglo-American-Nigerian left out of Gunners squad amid transfer interest

Anglo-American-Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun was omitted from the matchday squad as Arsenal thrashed La Liga side Sevilla 6-0 to claim the Emirates Cup on Saturday afternoon.

The England U21 international was not picked by manager Mikel Arteta amid interest from French club Reims for his signature this summer.

It was the fifth game on the bounce Balogun has not been given minutes, having remained an unused substitute against Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea during the recent tour to the United States, before being left out of the squad against Brentford following the team's return to England.

The likes of Zach Awe, James Olayinka and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji were on U21 duties last night in a pre-season friendly with Boreham Wood, so didn't receive call-ups for the visit of Sevilla.

The Gunners effectively killed off the game as a contest inside twenty minutes thanks to braces from onetime Nigeria Football Federation target Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus in the space of nine minutes.

With thirteen minutes remaining, Jesus completed his hat-trick after smashing home from close range and Nketiah made it 6-0 at minute 88.

Arsenal are back in action on Friday, August 5 when they take on Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener at Selhurst Park.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com