Arsenal’s goalkeeper Matt Turner says the international break won’t slow down their Premier League title push and has also advised Folarin Balogun to represent the USA instead of England.

The Gunners have an eight-point lead over Manchester City and, despite key players being on international duty, Matt Turner believes the team will maintain their momentum and return with the right mentality to continue winning games.

“No one’s looking at this international break as an escape or as a little bit of time away,” Turner said.

“I think the message from our manager and the message amongst the players is very clear: you’re going away to keep fit, to keep playing at the highest level, obviously stay healthy, treat your body right and come back firing on all cylinders because we’re definitely not the only club that’s on pause right now.

“We need to come back with the right mentality and ready to continue to win games and I think that we have such a good nucleus at the club, that that won’t be an issue.”

Arsenal’s remaining matches include challenging games against Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Brighton, and Manchester City.

Turner, meanwhile, has advised on-loan teammate Folarin Balogun to consider representing the USMNT instead of England.

Balogun, eligible to play for England, Nigeria, or the United States, was disappointed after being left out of England’s squad for the European qualifiers.

Turner believes Balogun would be a valuable addition to the USMNT.

“Spoke to Flo as we had a lot of pre season together,” Turner said in a USMNT press conference.

“Knew he had some roots in US. He and I developed a relationship quickly. Be a great addition to our national team. Been great on loan. Decision has to come from the heart.”

Following these remarks, Balogun was reportedly spotted in Orlando, where the USMNT will face El Salvador on March 28.

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