Arsenal player urged to switch his international allegiance and become "a star"

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been urged to snub England and declare his international allegiance to the United States.

Balogun, 21, is enjoying a breakout season on loan at French club Reims.

He has scored 15 goals in 23 Ligue 1 games and is joint top of the league’s scoring charts with PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and Lille striker Jonathan David.

There is speculation surrounding Balogun's club future, amid reports Arsenal could look to cash in on him this summer.

According to pianetamilan.it, as reported by Football London, Arsenal could be willing to sell the striker for £35m.

It is not only his club future which is uncertain, with his international allegiance also yet to be confirmed.

Balogun was born in New York, United States to Nigerian parents and raised in England, and therefore is eligible to represent all three nations at international level.

He has represented the United States at U18 level, but has also been capped by the Young Lions – scoring seven goals in 13 appearances at U21 level.

Wynalda urges Balogun to pick the USA

Former United States international Eric Wynalda has urged Balogun to quit England and declare himself available for the senior USA team.

Speaking to The Action Network's Wondergoal Podcast, Wynalda said: "If we get Folarin Balogun him we solve a lot of problems.

"I'm impressed with everything about him. The power that he has, the timing of his runs.

"We have to appeal to his ego which is the reality of this. We should let him know that he will be a star.

"An absolute star at a World Cup, in his own country as he was born in New York."

Wynalda added: "We need to lock him in with some sponsors too.

"He will be a star with us. He won't necessarily be a star with England.

"It will come down to how important it is for him to be in the spotlight. That's the only chance we’ve got to get him.

"Everything from the Mastercards, the Budweisers, the Coca-Colas, the big ones that will be sponsors of this World Cup. They have to figure out how to fit him into the budget."

Topics: United States, Arsenal, Football, England

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan