Now according to The Sun and other sources, Spurs have a striker in mind, and he plays for rivals Arsenal. That striker is USMNT player Folarin Balogun, who has no place on the first team squad.

Folarin Balogun is reportedly worth in the range of $50 million in transfer fee, as Arsenal knows the American is a hot commodity and want to ensure a transfer knowing Balogun has two years remaining on his current Arsenal contract.

Folarin Balogun ready to move on from Arsenal

The USMNT striker is not too keen on riding the bench for Arsenal and wanted to move to Inter Milan as early as last week. The move did not happen given the high value placed on the player by Arsenal.

Folarin Balogun is reported to have told Arsenal he wants to leave if he will not be considered for the first team. Now Spurs may also have to compete with Monaco who have already had two bids rejected for the striker’s services.

Folarin Balogun is coming off of a career season on loan to Reims in France where he scored 22 goals in 39 matches.

It was the icing on the cake for the Arsenal striker who had a massive season out on loan with Reims in France. Rumors have swirled around Balogun from interest from AC Milan and Inter Milan to a move to the Bundesliga.

With a title to his name, Balogun is now turning his focus to his club situation where it seems he will not stay at Arsenal.

Balogun on his Arsenal future

Balogun stated before the Nations League final, “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.”

On a contract with Arsenal until 2025 the Gunners have set an asking price of £40 million for his services. While an interesting option for Arsenal up top, the Gunners have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah and the coaching staff is comfortable with them.

The 21-year-old striker has impressed while on loan with Reims from Arsenal this season, scoring 19 goals to place him among the top five scorers in the French Ligue 1. He is in good company, including Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette, and Jonathan David.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to convince English coach Gareth Southgate to call him up and secure his international career. Instead, the Three Lions boss said that Balogun had never played in the Premier League before, which was the main reason why he wasn’t selected.

Why did Folarin Balogun ditch England in order to represent USMNT?

As a result, the Arsenal forward has decided to play for the United States national team. The Athletic claims that the striker’s transfer from the English national team to the American one has been accepted by FIFA.

It took some cryptic Instagram postings, some social media super-sleuthing from a few dedicated USMNT supporters, an Orlando Magic game, a New York Yankees game, a chat with U.S. Soccer, and eventually, a promotional video to announce Balogun’s choice.

Eric Wynalda, a former star for the USMNT, thinks England’s arrogance over Balogun has come back to bite them: “Gareth Southgate has certainly made some missteps here with his comments about the talented American playing in France,” he told The Action Network.

“Southgate said: ‘We can’t just hand out international opportunities to a player simply because we don’t want them to play for somebody else’. Whoops – If he could take that one back now I think he would. Southgate has completely underestimated Folarin’s ability and tried to shrug it off. Sorry, but there are times where English arrogance needs to be illuminated and this is one of them.”

Balogun is being courted by the US National team to represent the United States, he was born in New York, but moved to England at an early age where he eventually found himself in the Arsenal youth set up.

Since making his professional debut in 2020, Balogun has played for Middlesbrough and Reims, both times on loan from Arsenal who were reported to be willing to transfer the young striker.

Folarin Balogun wants to stay at Arsenal

Folarin Balogun has only two years left in his Arsenal deal and with interest from clubs like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig, the Gunners may be willing to cash in given the clubhas talented strikers currently.

The Athletic reports that Balogun does not want another loan but wants to fight for his spot, but given the number of clubs that are interested, Arsenal may have to transfer the player.

Balogun is only behind Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe for the Ligue 1 golden boot. Time will tell what will happen, and how Arsenal readjusts, one thing is for sure Arsenal wins either way if Balogun stays or is transferred.

Now according to 90min, Balogun’s club future looks to be decided, as Arsenal has no plans to sell the young prospect and want to talk to his representation in the summer about what might come next.

Balogun has a lot of interest from sides all over Europe with talks of a possible move to Lazio and Newcastle United. There is also questions as to what national team Balogun will decide to play for either the USMNT or England.

Folarin Balogun’s international future

Folarin Balogun will not be called into the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League roster for their games in March. A clear sign the striker has not yet committed to his international future.

Folarin Balogun was born in New York to Nigerian parents, at the age of two they would move to England and that is where Folarin Balogun has spent most of his upbringing. In 2008 Balogun entered the Arsenal youth system and would eventually play 2 games for the club.

The 21-year-old is hot commodity and lastly played for the England U-21 teams where he scored 7 goals in 13 games. For the USMYNT U-18’s he bagged 2 in 4 games.

Now according to reporter Ekrem Konur there is major interest in the 21-year-old from a club in Serie A and the Premier League. It is not known if Arsenal are looking to sell Balogun, but given their deep squad, the sale of the New York born youngster could give The Gunners a healthy transfer fee.

The clubs in question are Lazio and Newcastle United, both are reported as “monitoring” Balogun who is having a career season. Here is a player profile on Folarin Balogun.

Folarin Balogun profile

Folarin Balogun was born in New York to Nigerian parents, at the age of two they would move to England and that is where Folarin Balogun has spent most of his upbringing. In 2008 Balogun entered the Arsenal youth system and would eventually play 2 games for the club.

In between there was a loan to Middlesbrough where he scored 3 goals in 20 matches and currently his loan with Reims where he is having a career year. Known for his pace, technique, and being two-footed, Balogun has represented England since 2018.

Before that he did represent the United States, scoring 2 goals in 4 games with the U-18 side, the USSF and England FA are doing their best to convince the striker to choose one of those programs, Balogun has yet to make a decision.