11 July 2023 , 19:10
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Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has backed the USMNT's Folarin Balogun to establish himself in Mikel Arteta's plans ahead of the next Premier League campaign.
The Gunners academy graduate experienced something of a breakout season at senior level while on loan in France with Stade de Reims last term, notching an impressive 22 goals. The 22-year-old also put speculation over his international allegiance to bed by committing to the US and has already broken his duck against Canada.
It has been a whirlwind year for the starlet, who will be hoping he can translate his form of last season into becoming a regular goalscorer for his boyhood team. The former England U-21s striker faces one of the most pivotal pre-seasons of his fledgling career amid questions over his long-term future at the club.
The youngster's form while on loan last season means he is seemingly not short on potential suitors this summer and the USMNT's newest star has spoken openly of his desire not to be sent on loan again. With a tour of his homeland to come in the next month — including a clash against the MLS All-Stars — opportunity now knocks for the prospect to stake his claim.
With first-choice centre forward Gabriel Jesus currently ahead of him in the pecking order and Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz also able to play through the middle, his path to further minutes does look somewhat congested. That said, former Highbury favourite Parlour has backed the local boy to give Arteta a second option moving forward.
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Explaining how the prolific prodigy could fit into the Spaniard's plans, he told JBI Training: "[Folarin] Balogun can definitely offer Arsenal something different in the striker role. He is a big, tall guy, he has a good build. I think he has a brilliant opportunity to put himself in [Mikel] Arteta’s plans for the coming season by performing well during the pre-season tour.
"He did really well in France last year. I know that the level in France is a little bit lower than the Premier League, but he was still banging the goals in. He is a confident player and character."
Folarin Balogun has been backed to provide Mikel Arteta with a new forward option (Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)Explaining he has been impressed with Balogun's attitude in recent months, as well as his desire to seek game time, the man supporters once dubbed the Romford Pele added: "Everyone will be given an opportunity and he will have to show Mikel Arteta that he is ready to be part of his squad next season.
"I like the desire from the player. He’s already said that he wants to play after his successful period on loan in France, let’s see if that will be with Arsenal."
Arsenal will head stateside later this month month following a friendly in Germany against FC Nuremberg and will face the MLS All-Stars in Washington on July 20 before clashes with Manchester United and Barcelona. All eyes will then turn to the Community Shield versus Manchester City following a home friendly against AS Monaco.