Breaking:Arteta reveals Arsenal next plan for World-class star who outscored Lionel Messi last season

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Folarin Balogun
Arsenal must decide whether to keep or sell Folarin Balogun (Pictures: Getty)
Mikel Arteta plans to make a final decision over Folarin Balogun’s future at Arsenal after the club’s pre-season schedule.

The 22-year-old striker has attracted interest from five European clubs after starring for Ligue 1 side Reims last season.

Balogun outscored Lionel Messi and Neymar as he netted 22 goals in 39 games during his loan spell for the French club.

Arsenal will give Balogun pre-season to stake a claim for a role in Arteta’s first-team, with the squad currently in America following a week in Germany.

Balogun has no interest in going out on loan next season, meaning Arsenal must decide whether to keep the highly-rated forward in north London or cash in on a player they value at around £50m.

The new USA international is competing with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz for a place in Arsenal’s team.

‘He’s done incredibly well,’ Arteta said. ‘Now we have to think about what is best to do.

Folarin Balogun in Arsenal training
Balogun is currently with Arsenal’s squad in America

‘We want to see him, we want to experience him in the next few games, he played the last game against Nuremberg and he will play in the next few games.

‘Then we’ll make the best decision.’

Balogun joined Arsenal at the age of seven but has only played 10 games for the Gunners’ first team since making his debut in 2021.

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Having represented USA for the first time last month, Balogun is excited to play in Arsenal’s pre-season clash against an MLS All-Star team on Wednesday.

‘As soon as I heard that our pre-season tour was in America I was so happy and excited to be coming back here,’ he said. ‘I’ve been back with the national team too so I’ve been here a lot recently.

‘The vibes are always good, the people are always lovely and I’m just looking forward to the game. I’ve got some family who live in Washington actually, so they will come to the game. I’m sure people will be onto me for tickets!

The 22-year-old made his debut for USA last month
The 22-year-old made his debut for USA last month (Picture: Getty)
‘I’m really looking forward to the occasion, it’s my first MLS All-Star game so I don’t know what to expect. I’m sure there will be a great crowd though, and the opposition is great too, so I’m looking forward to it.’

Discussing his future at the Emirates Stadium, Balogun added: ‘I obviously went away and the point was to prove I could play first team football. I feel I was able to do that and show people I can play at that level.

‘I think with me coming back it’s not really much of a situation where I think I can need to try extra hard to prove something, I think it’s a decision that’s not really with me. Whatever happens I’m cool with it.’