Eddie Nketiah makes confession over Arsenal teammate’s future
Nketiah #Nketiah
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah claims that he and Folarin Balogun are on ‘different paths’ amid the USMNT’s strikers’ impending transfer. Balogun has been heavily linked with a move away from North London and is yet to feature for the club this season.
While Balogun did feature during the Gunners’ preseason tour of the United States, featuring in the MLS All-Star game and against FC Nurnberg, he looks to no longer be a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans. Nketiah instead appears to be the club’s first choice following Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
The 24-year-old has started twice in the Brazilian’s absence and managed to score in the opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest.
Nketiah was recently asked about his relationship with Balogun during an interview with SPORTbible, and what it’s like competing for the same role on the pitch. “That’s fine, we get on well,” he said.
“He’s a great guy and he’s a great player, every situation is different. We’re managed by the same people, but we have different careers.
“We’re on different paths, so that doesn’t really matter. It’s good to have him back. I wish him all the best, he’s a great player.”
Balogun, who joined Arsenal as a youth in 2008, has been linked with a number of clubs during the summer transfer window as he goes in search of regular gametime. Reports have linked the 22-year-old to Italian giant Inter Milan as well as Monaco, Chelsea and West Ham.
It’s no surprise to see the New York-born forward in high demand having impressed last season while on loan at Ligue 1 team Stade Reims. Balogun managed an impressive 25 goal contributions, 22 goals and three assists, in 39 games.
The striker finished the season as the league’s fourth highest goalscorer – level with Lens’ Lois Openda. Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylain Mbappe topped the table with seven more goals than the USMNT star.
Balogun has once again been omitted from the Arsenal squad as they face London rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Arteta’s side will be hoping to improve on last season where they finished second in the Premier League behind Manchester City.