Mikel Arteta has advised Folarin Balogun to focus on his current performances amidst uncertainty surrounding his international future.
Folarin Balogun, eligible to represent England, the United States, and Nigeria, recently withdrew from the England U21 squad due to injury but was seen in Orlando with the USMNT.
Speaking before the game against Leeds, Arteta encouraged Balogun to continue doing what he has been all season and not to be distracted by other factors, as his success will come naturally.
Asked for his advice for Balogun, Arteta said, “To focus on today, and focus on what he had been doing because he has been phenomenal.
“Keep doing what he has been doing and don’t focus on anything else, and everything else will come naturally.
“I would try to do what he has been doing because he’s been working really well for him and the team.”
Balogun has scored 17 goals in Ligue 1 this season, trailing only Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe.
Southgate responds to Folarin Balogun speculation
Last week, England manager Gareth Southgate addressed the speculation surrounding Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun’s international future, suggesting the player should be patient.
Southgate emphasised that they won’t rush players into the England squad to keep them from other national teams, adding that young players will be given a chance.
He also hinted at the importance of playing in the Premier League, something Balogun has yet to do.
“It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels,” Southgate said. “Is he prepared to wait a little bit for an opportunity if he backs himself and feels he can push his way into our squad?
“Because anybody who has followed us will know that we will give young players a chance.
“So, we cannot go and give first-team call-ups to someone just because we don’t want them to go somewhere else.
“We like Flo. He has obviously not had an opportunity in the Premier League yet, so we have to weigh up those goals to Ivan [Toney], for example, or Ollie Watkins.
“Or Eddie Nketiah, who has done really well with the opportunity he has had at Arsenal.”
Matt Turner’s Balogun advice
Arsenal’s America, Matt Turner recommended the forward consider representing the USMNT over England.
Balogun was disappointed after being excluded from England’s squad.
Turner praised Balogun and believes he would be a valuable addition to the USMNT, adding that the decision should come from the heart.
“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.”