Folarin Balogun’s next team: New USMNT striker is owned by Arsenal, on

With one sentence from FIFA, what was once an intriguing curio in a hectic summer transfer window has now become a matter of profound national significance for the United States of America: where will Folarin Balogun play his football next season? The Arsenal striker, on loan at Reims, has officially switched his international registration from England to the United States men’s national team, in a stroke going from one of several promising young forwards vying to succeed Harry Kane in five or so years to a foundational figure in the bid for home glory in 2026.

With 19 goals in Ligue 1 this season, reflecting a superb decision to move to France that he himself was the driving force of, Balogun has become one of Europe’s most talked about and coveted young forwards. The attention on him will only intensify now that he profiles to be the USMNT’s starting striker at their home World Cup. Where could he start the 2023-24 campaign? Let’s take a look:

Arsenal

Once his loan spell at Reims ends, Balogun will return to Arsenal a player with a dramatically different standing and expectations than the one who departed. The Gunners have long thought highly of the 22 year old, but they and he accept the…