Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been included in the Gunners’ 10-man squad for the forthcoming MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, indicating his potential stay for part of the preseason. Balogun’s Arsenal future has been the subject of much speculation.
Last season, Balogun drew considerable attention while on loan with Reims, and now he joins a cast of prominent footballers such as Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, and Eddie Nketiah for the MLS event. The young striker, who is also part of the U.S. men’s national team, is expected to compete in Shooting, Cross & Volley, and Crossbar challenges during the July 18th event, just a day before the MLS All-Star Game.
The MLS squad will feature notable players like Thiago Almada, Hany Mukhtar, Jesus Ferreira, and Hector Herrera. However, the list of participants for the Skills Challenge may still change, as stipulated by MLS rules.
Previously vocal about his reluctance to go out on loan again, Balogun has attracted interest from a variety of clubs, including AC Milan, Inter, Marseille, Monaco, and RB Leipzig, alongside several Premier League teams.
Interestingly, the MLS team claimed victory over the Liga MX squad in last year’s Skills Challenge, with Mukhtar securing the win in the Crossbar Challenge.
In other Arsenal news, the team will engage in their first preseason friendly against Nurnberg on July 13, before heading to the U.S. for the All-Star celebrations.
