Arsenal news: USMNT star Folarin Balogun is left out of the starting line-up to face Nurnberg in the first friendly of pre-season as Mikel Arteta picks new signing Kai Havertz instead.
USMNT star Folarin Balogun has not been selected in the first starting XI of Arsenal's pre-season with the 22-year-old striker left on the bench against Nurnberg.
Following the success of a game with the German side last summer, an entertaining 5-3 win for the Gunners in-which Gabriel Jesus, a new signing at the time, scored twice, the repeat fixture has been held again ahead of the new campaign to kick-start preparations for Mikel Arteta's side.
He was a substitute 12 months ago against Nurnberg but then left on loan in a bid to make his impression away from Arsenal, getting consistent senior minutes.
This time, Arteta chose to go with Eddie Nketiah with new signing Kai Havetz also on the bench his move from Chelsea earlier in the window. The 24-year-old can be seen as direct competition for Balogun in an attacking role but may also feature in a deeper midfield role, football.london understands.
"What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again," he said last month. "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."
Alongside Balogun on the bench was Jesus, whilst Nketiah featured in a starting XI with Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka in attack, Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard also played in attacking lineup.
Attacking roles are heavily in-demand with Saka, Gabriel Martinelli (injured), Jesus, Havertz, Nketiah and Trossard all posing a serious threat to Balogun's desired gametime. Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Emile Smith Rowe can all operate as part of the frontline as well, proving the depth of talent available.
There are also plenty of chances to impress Arteta. As well as having an expected 45 minutes to kickstart his match sharpness of the bench here, Arsenal play matches against MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona in America before the Emirates Cup and Community Shield before the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
For now, the chance to impress will have to come from the bench but that is nothing out of the ordinary in pre-season and it is only natural that players that have been at London Colney for longer, are new to the squad as transfers or that played a part in last year's success, are given the nod first.