Balogun set to feature against Nurnberg as three Arsenal academy stars also spotted in Germany camp squad

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been included in the squad to face Nurnberg along with three other Gunners academy starlets.

Mikel Arteta's pre-season tour gets underway next Thursday at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in Nuremberg before travelling to the Balogun's home country of the United States where they will face Manchester United.

Arsenal will then return to England at the beginning of August to take on Monaco in the Emirates Cup, before they face Manchester City in the Community Shield.

And Balogun has been included in the Gunners' squad to face Nurnberg after he was spotted boarding the plane to Germany.

The 22-year-old's inclusion comes amid mass speculation over his future, with the striker keen to play regular first team football this season after an impressive loan spell at Reims last term where he notched 21 goals in Ligue 1.

Arsenal have since placed a £50million price tag on Balogun, with Chelsea emerging as potential suitors on their search for a new centre-forward, according to the Daily Mail.

Crystal Palace are also thought to be interested in the USA international, claim Give Me Sport.

But for the time being, Balogun remains on Arsenal's books and will play a part in their pre-season preparations, along with three other youngsters Arteta has decided to give a chance.

Which other players have travelled to Germany?

Arsenal posted a video on Twitter of the players boarding their plane to Germany and among the usual suspects, there were some notable additions to the squad.

16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was spotted with the Arsenal camp, fresh off signing a new contract with the the north London side amid interest from Manchester City.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, also 16, was another academy player selected after committing his long-term future to the club back in February.

Reull Walters was also in attendance, with the 18-year-old centre-back regularly called up to the first-team in the absence of the injured William Saliba last season.

Meanwhile, Rob Holding and Cedric Soares were pictured with the squad, despite speculation that they will leave the club this summer.

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Mikel Arteta, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno