USMNT striker leaves his Arsenal future in the hands of Nigerian agent and family 

United States Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun was a surprise inclusion in the Arsenal squad for their tour of the United States given that speculation is rife that he will end his fifteen-year association with his boyhood club this summer.

Balogun has sorted out his international future by choosing to play for his country of birth over Nigeria and England, and he helped the United States to win the CONCACAF Nations League Finals last month, scoring in the showpiece against Canada. 

The Hale End Academy graduate enjoyed a breakout season at Stade de Reims in 2022-2023, scoring 22 goals and registering three assists in 39 all-competition appearances. 

And on the back of his form for club and country, he is being courted by a plethora of clubs in the big five European Leagues including Inter Milan who are ready to sign him after failing to agree a deal with Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku.

Balogun has admitted that he does not know what the future holds and has left it in the hands of his Nigerian agent and family. 

Born in New York City to Nigerian parents, Balogun is looked after by Emeka Obasi who also handles the affairs of Super Eagles stars Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Ola Aina and Josh Maja, and former Golden Eaglets invitee Malcolm Ebiowei. 

Speaking in Washington ahead of Arsenal's pre-season clash against  MLS All-Stars, Balogun told reporters: "I was away for the year, so I'm just back, I'm obviously just focused on pre-season with the team, it's nice to see everyone.

"I'm really just focused here and of course my agent and my family are dealing with this."

Balogun has two years left on his contract at Arsenal, for whom he has made ten appearances in total and scored two goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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