Folarin Balogun Arsenal transfer could accelerate major USMNT decision

Folarin Balogun is becoming increasingly in demand following his goalscoring this season with Will Still's Reims

This season has seen Folarin Balogun emerge to become one of the brightest striking talents in Europe, with the on loan Arsenal striker scoring 15 league goals in 25 games at Reims.

The numbers make him the highest scoring player in Europe's top five leagues aged 21 and under and highlight just what a talent the Gunners have on their hands. However, having let him go on loan this season, they could face a battle to keep him at the club with AC Milan said to be among those interested in the player, as reported Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness.

While a future in North London remains unclear, the reported interest of Milan raises the question of what the future international career of Balogun looks like. One of Europe's biggest clubs signing Balogun would elevate his standing to a potential senior international, but a decision would have to be made, with the USA an option for the England U21 international.

Born in New York, the 21-year-old has scored seven goals in just 13 caps England U21s, but has also been capped by the USA at U18 level. His evolving stature will be of serious interest to the hierarchy of US Soccer, with a decision not having yet been made regarding what country he would represent, with his Nigerian parents also meaning he is eligible for the Super Eagles.

Making a full, competitive appearance in a competitive international for one side would render him ineligible for another. Whoever Balogun accepts a senior call-up for, it could be a declaration of where is future lies.

His options involve two of the youngest most exciting sides in international football, but the USA's lack of a goalscorer was evident at the World Cup last winter. This presents the prospect of becoming a star for the USA, with the country hosting the next World Cup in 2026, when Balogun will be 25-years-old.

However, despite having more prospects of silverware, he would have a harder time breaking into an England side which has Harry Kane as its leader and main striker. Meanwhile, Nigeria would also provide a highly competitive option, but their absence from Qatar last year could mean that Balogun opts for one of his other options.

He has spoke about the possibility of playing for Nigeria, however, telling the BBC in November that he would be open to the prospect. "That's a conversation that I need to have with people around me, my agent and obviously my family," Balogun explained. "But if I was asked about the opportunity to play for Nigeria, then I can have that conversation. But first I need to be asked."

With attractive options both at club level, as well as in the international sphere, it is a promising time for Balogun and it's almost certain that we will see his decision over the next 12 months, with senior international football almost a certainty at this stage of his career.