Arsenal star makes huge career decision after following in footsteps of talented ex-player

Folarin Balogun is expected to commit his long-term international future to the United States, understands.

The forward has played for England throughout his youth career, but has also featured for the USA at Under-18 level.

He is also eligible to play for Nigeria, although it's understood that Balogun will follow in the footsteps of former Arsenal academy product Yunus Musah who switched from England to the USA.

Balogun was born in New York City to Nigerian parents and moved to England at the age of two years old, before trialling with both Arsenal and Tottenham and joining the eventually joining the Gunners.

He started Arsenal's first game of the season against Brentford but was always expected to go out on loan in January due to the vast competition for places in the Gunners' attack.

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both set to leave Arsenal in the summer when their contracts expire, leaving Gabriel Martinelli and Balogun as the club's main options upfront.

“I hope a successful loan puts me in a better position that I was in before coming here," Balogun said in January.

“Coming through the ranks at Arsenal (being their main striker) was always something I wanted to achieve. Coming here my job is to give it my all and see what happens.

“It is a case of me knowing what I can do and showing it on the first team stage. That is the main thing.

“It is difficult for any young player. It is something (breaking through) you know won’t happen overnight. Young footballers have to wait for their chance, I am looking forward to it now it has arrived.

“I want to play senior football, fight for three points, to push for promotion and there is a lot of pressure here. It is a great fit for me to be here and learn and score