Folarin Balogun has insisted that he definitely won’t leave Arsenal on loan in the summer transfer window.
Balogun is attracting lots of interest after scoring 21 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions while on loan at Stade Reims last season. Arsenal are understood to be open to selling the 21-year-old provided their £30million valuation is met.
AC Milan and Napoli are among the clubs linked with a move for Balogun, who is currently away with the USA having switched his international allegiances. He was asked about his future at club level after helping his new side win the Concacaf Nations League.
“I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place,” he said. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now; I try to stay present.
“I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again.”
Balogun is under contract with Arsenal until 2025, but has suggested that he would be open to leaving this summer. Asked what his future holds recently, Balogun said: "Contractually I have to go back [to Arsenal]. Because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement.
“But I'm not sure what is going to happen in the future. A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we'll see what happens."
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He added: "Yeah I mean there's no door that's closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don't know what the future will bring.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was key in Balogun signing his current contract with the club back in April 2021. The Gunners boss is a fan of the young striker, but already has Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to call upon in attack.
Arsenal are also currently in negotiations with Chelsea over the signing of Kai Havertz. The 24-year-old German has two years left on his Blues deal but looks set to leave in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid another potential suitor.
Balogun had starred for England under-21s, scoring seven times in 13 appearances, but chose to represent the USA at senior level. The youngster, who was also eligible for Nigeria, opened his international account by scoring in the USA’s 2-0 win over Canada on Monday.
They retained the Concacaf Nations League title in Las Vegas thanks to Chris Richards’ opener and Balogun’s strike. "It's amazing. It's a dream scenario for me," said Balogun. "To be here now, the transition is amazing. I'm just overwhelmed with delight."
