Folarin Balogun wants to represent USA

He has even represented the Americans at the youth level, playing four times for USA Under-18s and scoring goals.

Folarin Balogun wants to represent USA
Folarin Balogun

Nigeria-born Arsenal star Folarin Balogun has hinted at an England snub and could switch allegiance to the USA. 

The out-on-loan striker has impressed for Reims this season with 16 goals in 26 Ligue Un games.

But his form has not been enough to earn a place in Gareth Southgate's first England squad of 2023.

The striker lost out to the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney.

And Balogun appears to be very unhappy with his omission.

He responded to the bad news on Instagram writing: "In life go where you are appreciated."

That could mean joining up with the USA, as Balogun was born in New York.

He has even represented the Americans at youth level, playing four times for USA Under-18s and scoring goals.

But he has since shown loyalty to England, playing for the Three Lions at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-20 level.

The 21-year-old has also been a regular for England Under-21s over the last few months and has seven goals in 13 games for Lee Carsley's side.

Fans have reacted to his message with an American saying: "You'll be appreciated as the greatest American to ever play the game."

Another supporter added: "It's a numbers game. He will be a star on the US team and sit on the bench for England."

And a third said: "Switch allegiances mate, play for the US. He would be the starting striker."

Balogun has sent a message to Mikel Arteta by becoming the youngest player to score at least 16 goals in Ligue 1 in his first campaign since the 1960-1961 season.

William Saliba also impressed on loan at Marseille last season and Balogun will hope to follow in his footsteps by becoming a first-team regular at The Emirates next season.