Folarin Balogun issues stern warning to Arsenal as USA star reveals summer transfer wishes
FOLARIN BALOGUN issued a stern warning to Arsenal as he revealed his summer transfer wishes.
The striker, 21, spent last season impressing out on loan at Reims.
He scored a whopping 22 in 39 in France and faces a big decision during the off-season regarding his future.
Balogun is desperate to be playing regular first-team football – but is unsure if he can leapfrog Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to be Arsenal’s main striker.
However, he has already ruled out another temporary switch away from the Emirates.
Balogun, who joined Arsenal aged eight in 2008, said on international duty with the USA: “What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.
“I’m not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.
“But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present.”
Balogun scored his first senior international goal for the Stars and Stripes on Sunday night in his second cap after pledging allegiance to the country of his birth instead of England.
The Yanks beat Canada 2-0 to lift the CONCACAF Nations League trophy.
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AC Milan, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig are being linked with a move for young forward Balogun.
But Arsenal, who have Balogun tied down until 2025, are understood to be demanding a staggering £40million.
Gunners legend Thierry Henry reckons Balogun must choose a club where he is guaranteed to be playing regularly – because he cannot afford to waste a critical season of his career.
Henry said: “It’s going to be important next season to play.
“I don’t know if he’s going to play for Arsenal. We all know for the national team with England he had to battle with Callum Wilson, [Ivan] Toney, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane.
“He’s been great in the league. He’s a good nine. Now he’s going to have to find a team where he’s going to play next year, that’s very important.”