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Balogun and Turner start against Canada in the Nations League Final.

twitter.com /USMNT/status/1670576760864342017

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  • This could seriously make Balogun a star in the US, but all the rumors lean towards us selling Balogun and Trusty.

    • @ironeaglebird yeah, if I had to guess if day Trusty is gone (at least on loan)

      I’m personally not as sold on the Balogun rumors. With CL going on we will need three strikers and (if we get him) who knows where Kai Havertz would play.

      • I think the issue is that Balogun wants to start regularly. Arsenal don't want to sell, but they might feel they have to to avoid having a disgruntled player in the locker room. (They might also not want to risk creating the perception that we'll hold promising young players against their will. We're finally back up as a very desirable destination.)

        Balogun might simply not be willing to accept a role where he starts irregularly -- even if promised some game time -- or depends on Jesus getting hurt. (Eddie is also currently ahead of him, but I think that could change by training well.)

        I think the best case scenario is that we sell below market value to a team willing to accept a buy-back clause. Even though his stock is high right now, the prices bandied around him don't reflect what I think he's worth. He's still young but he does look the part. I don't think the good season was a purple patch.

    • @ironeaglebird @poorlydrawnarsenal hope this raises the transfer fee

    • I actually wonder if Balogun choosing to represent USMNT might change our plans for him. Jesus is clearly still ahead, but if he continues to progress, he'll be a nailed on starter for the US (who are thin up top). I wonder if KSE will see that as too big an opportunity to not explore.

      I don't think they'd push Edu or Arteta to make Balogun a bigger part of the team -- I sure as heck hope they continue to keep their distance on playing decisions -- but they might be willing to get more creative to ensure Balo stays in the loop. Like poorly says, we're clearly trying to grow the brand in the US, and he could certainly figure into those plans.

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